Clerk of the Course [Meaning] - MasterTerms.com

Clerk of the Course

A Clerk of the Course is an official responsible for the organization and management of a horse race event.

The Clerk of the Course oversees all aspects of a horse race, ensuring that the event runs smoothly and safely. This role includes coordinating with jockeys, trainers, and race officials, monitoring the condition of the track, and making decisions regarding race scheduling, such as postponements due to weather conditions or track safety. The Clerk of the Course also ensures that all regulations are followed, maintaining the integrity of the race.

Clerk of the Course Example

For example, in a major horse racing event, the Clerk of the Course might delay the start of a race due to heavy rain that has made the track slippery, prioritizing the safety of the horses and jockeys before proceeding with the race.