Who is responsible for ensuring the settling of horses is orderly before a race?

The Paddock Judge is responsible for ensuring the orderly settling of horses before a race. This role is critical as it involves managing the horse and rider in the paddock area prior to the start of the race. The Paddock Judge monitors the behavior of the horses, ensures they are properly saddled, and checks that all equipment is in place. An organized settling process helps to minimize stress on the horses and ensures a smooth transition to the starting gate, which ultimately contributes to the safety and success of the race.

In contrast, the Clerk of Scales primarily oversees the weighing in and out of the jockeys and ensures compliance with weight regulations. The Outrider's primary role is to assist in controlling the horses on the racetrack and ensuring their safety during the race. The Veterinarian focuses on the health and well-being of the horses, conducting inspections and monitoring their fitness to race. Each of these roles is essential to the overall functionality of race day, but the Paddock Judge specifically handles the organization and settling of the horses just before the race.