Trainers
If you elect to make your investment in racing,
selection of a trainer is quite possibly the most important decision
you will make.
The owner/trainer relationship is analogous to a
marriage. An honest relationship is essential. Take your time and
select the individual that fits your needs and personality. Be aware
that as you interview the trainer, they may also be evaluating you
as an owner/client, particularly your willingness and ability to
accept advice.
The racing office at most racetracks can provide
a stable list, including trainers' names, barns and phone numbers.
This information may assist in locating a trainer for your stable.
In short, many of the recommendations made with
regard to choosing a bloodstock agent, including the sources from
whom to seek recommendations, apply equally to the trainer selection
process. In addition to those cited above, here are a few additional
thoughts to consider and questions to ask:
At what tracks are the trainer's horses stabled?
Do you want a trainer who excels with allowance, claiming or stakes
horses, fillies/mares or colts, young racing stock, turf or dirt
horses?
How much time do you expect your trainer to spend with you?
In the past, many owners were passive and
interaction with their trainers was minimal. As owners have become
more active, they have demanded greater communication. Some trainers
resent these demands, but most have readily accepted owners' desires
to more closely monitor their investment.
How much time can the trainer devote to teaching you more about
horses and training procedures?
How often should you reasonably expect to communicate with the trainer?
Considering the size of your investment and the
size of the trainer's stable, your expectation regarding
communication must be realistic. Obviously, this is an important
subject that should be discussed and understood by both parties from
the outset of the owner/trainer relationship.
How often and under what conditions do you want to be consulted?
Do you want the trainer to automatically call you
if the horse is going to work, or if it is sick, or if something is
developing with its physical condition or training program? Do you
want the trainer to include you, or consult with you, on the
selection of races for your horse?
Do you want a more seasoned trainer or an up-and-coming new
trainer?
Would you like your trainer to attend sales and assist in or make purchases on your behalf?
Is this trainer really as good as he says he is?
Consult statistics from Bloodstock Research, the
Daily Racing Form and The Jockey Club Information Systems to verify
suspicious representations. Keep in mind the size of the stable and
the trainer's experience when evaluating this data.
Go to the paddock and observe trainers in action.
How do the horses, the stable assistants and those associated with
the operation appear? Does the trainer speak with the owner or the
jockey? Those observations should provide an indication of the
trainer's practices and character. Visit the stable area of tracks
where you would like to race. Get the feel for the tidiness and
staff.
What is the trainer's day rate? Does it vary from track to
track?
Does the rate change if the horse is taking a
break or is laid up for a month or so, yet still under the trainer's
care? Are the feed, bedding, stable employees' wages, stall rent,
exercise riders, ponies for workout, paddock and gate schooling,
vitamins, bandaging and similar "supplies" all included in the day
rate? Some commonly non-covered expenses in the day rate are, though
not limited to: farrier expenses, veterinary costs and transport
costs.
Review workers' compensation issues. Who is responsible and who
pays?
Jockey's insurance; is it applicable and who pays?
What percent commission does the trainer charge for wins and other placings? Is there a bonus policy for the stable employees?
How long do they recommend giving a horse a chance to demonstrate its ability?
What are the trainer's views on medication? What is the trainer's average vet bill per horse per month?
Review their policy regarding the medical care
given to the horse. Does the trainer ask owners to authorize
veterinary care expenses? Who maintains the horse's health records?
Do they use certain medications regularly? Some trainers use vets
almost compulsively, and with good results, while others use them
sparingly and with equally good results. It depends on the trainer
and, to some extent, the quality of horses he has to work with.
Asking these questions should give you a feel for
the character, skills and beliefs of the candidates. If you are not
comfortable with what you have learned, interview additional
trainers until you have found the right one.
Once you have made a selection, be certain that
the two of you have a clear understanding of each other's
expectations and responsibilities. Don't begrudgingly turn over the
responsibility to them to do their job. Be positive and enjoy the
experience.
Finally, consider whether a written contract
would be appropriate. Note: Written contracts are not common
practice on the racetrack, and the mere proposition of one may evoke
a less than positive response. Nonetheless, if you feel you must
have one, find a trainer who is willing to enter into a contract.
Need help selecting your advisors? Visit
www.theracinggame.com
and fill out an Advisor Request Form.
