trainers

Facing a July 1 federal mandate to get all licensed personnel and actively racing Thoroughbreds registered in accordance with the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA), representatives from that organization's Authority team fielded questions from industry participants Friday in an online "town hall" forum, where the most pertinent query had to do with whether horses will get scratched if their online HISA registrations are incomplete by that deadline. The short answer, according to the HISA Authority's chief executive officer, Lisa Lazarus, is yes. But her slightly longer explanation tells us...

Freddie Meade will join his father, Martyn, on the trainer's license under the umbrella of Manton Park Racing. Technique (GB) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}), entered to run in the G3 Cazoo Princess Elizabeth S. Derby Day, will be the first runner for the new training partnership. Freddie has served as an assistant to his father since 2014. "I have grown up around horses and ridden from an early age. Training has always been the ultimate goal." said Freddie. "I look forward to us being able to use traditional methods of training at...

Only those living under rocks would be forgiven ignorance of the July 1 launch of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA). Thanks to HISA's shifting goal posts and sometimes opaque approach to the dissemination of information, however, even those without such domiciles would be forgiven confusion as to what is expected of them between now and takeoff. The following, therefore, is aimed at providing a basic guide to help industry participants navigate the weeks ahead, from the registration process to important new rules that will be in place July...

After the connections of GI Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike (Keen Ice) opted to skip the GI Preakness S. and instead prepare for the GI Belmont S., the structure of the Triple Crown races has been a subject of debate leading up to the second leg of the historic series. Should the timing between the races be adjusted? We asked a few veteran trainers here.     Mark Casse: I think it has to stay the same. I think it's nonsense to talk any different. This is history, this is...

   The TDN's 'Let's Talk'--a podcast series featuring TDN's Christina Bossinakis and TVG's on-air analyst Gabby Gaudet, offers candid discussion on personal, and sometimes sensitive, topics that are often uncomfortable for many to speak about in an open forum.    The latest edition presents a trio of successful trainers--New York's David Donk, Ron Moquett, who is principally based at Oaklawn Park and Churchill Downs and Kentucky horseman Brad Cox, who was honored with his second Eclipse Award as the nation's leading trainer at the awards ceremony held at Santa Anita...

Never has the pressure been greater on the Thoroughbred trainer than it is today. Facing increasing scrutiny and regulations, as well as the backlash felt from the federal indictments and censure of a barrel full of 'bad apples,' trainers are forced to ply an already labor-intensive trade in an atmosphere that is often harsh and unforgiving. This edition of 'Let's Talk' offers a closer look at the ever-evolving profession, featuring two-time Eclipse Award winning trainer Brad Cox, longtime New York horseman David Donk and Ron Moquett, who is based at...

Edited press release The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) have agreed to offer 20,000 additional H-2B visas to employers for positions starting on or before Mar. 31. These visas are used by employers, such as racehorse trainers, who seek seasonal guest workers. "This addition of H-2B visas is helpful for the horse racing industry as we continue to see high demand for workers by employers," said NTRA President and CEO Tom Rooney. "At the same time, the NTRA supports relief from the...

The Thoroughbred Education and Research Foundation (TERF) is pleased to award $4,000 to Horsemen U to support Horsemen U's continuing education platform for a full year. The online platform was launched to assist trainers, assistant trainers, and others in the equine industry with continuing education requirements. The California Thoroughbred Trainers (CTT), Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (MTHA), and New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NYTHA) teamed up to start Horsemen U.

Several new incentives have been unveiled for the $7.5 million+ 2022 Dubai World Cup Carnival, which begins on Jan. 13, 2022. Some of the new benefits announced by the Dubai Racing Club are as follows: Two return business class flights for trainers, in addition to three nights' accommodation at a DRC-associated hotel. Owners (one representative) will receive one Business Class return flight to use during the Carnival. Travel will also be subsidised for stable staff, with one economy class return flight provided for one groom for up to two horses,...

by Andrew J. Mollica, Esq and Len Green, CPA What an industry! The recent, well-publicized ongoing legal sagas of both Ahmed Zayat and Ken Ramsey have brought issues surrounding owner-trainer financial relationships into clear focus. Yet, the truth is that no-pay or slow-paying owners probably have been a small, but existing part of racing since the game was invented. Despite its topical nature, the problem is not going away anytime soon, and the reason is simple: horse racing is a 21st-century industry that is based on an 18th-century business model....

Woodbine Entertainment has opened the "Finish Line O&T Lounge" at Woodbine Racetrack. Located at the wire in the second level of the grandstand, the area is exclusively for owners, trainers and assistant trainers during live race days. Food, beverages, free programs, wagering terminals, and customer service assistants will be available inside the lounge on each racing day. A special ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held Saturday, Oct. 16.

I read with interest the article about using speed figures to "flag" trainers who may be using performance enhancing drugs. Whereas it may be a useful tool to focus on which trainers to keep an eye on, we should not jump to conclusions too hastily : there are plenty of other reasons a trainer might frequently improve a horse he has received. He may have treated the horse for ulcers, any physical discomfort ranging from the cervicals to the sacro iliac, improved his shoeing, or just given him more work...