Charles Trent
Q – Dan M asked I just read a post saying that if your horse will be wearing blinkers it has to be approved by the stewards. Why would you need approval for legal piece of equipment?
A – Dan That is true. When a trainer enters a horse in a race, he or she must tell the stewards the name of the horse, the name of the jockey, the claiming price (if it’s a claiming race) any medication changes and equipment changes, which includes blinkers. They need to report the blinkers or no blinkers because it’s for the betting public to know about anything that has changed from the horse’s last race.
There are many different types of blinkers full, three quarters, half and what trainers call cheaters which is a less than a quarter blinker, just to name a few. They must let them know if a colt is a first-time gelding, which is important because the horse usually improves in running because they are know more focus on the job at hand.
They must report medication change like Lasix either they are on it or not. Once again this is for the betting public. If you’re a serious trainer, owner or gambler looking to claim, privately buy or bet on you will watch and know other things about the horse like what kind of bit they race under and any other equipment like shadow rolls, tongue ties, nose bands etc.
Q – Rose S asked What exactly does “turn of foot ”mean?
A – Rose, it’s a term meaning the ability to accelerate quickly. This a burst of speed that a horse uses most of the time in the stretch when the horse is asked to pick it up or continue with their speed. Most of the time you can spot it at the top of the stretch when the jockey either shakes the reins or uses the whip that’s where you will see the burst. By the way if you don’t see a burst by the 2nd try by the jockey that means the horse is at his or her best.
Q – Bernell P asked, explain the New Bill that takes effect on racing. That was passed in the covid relief bill.
A – Bernell I believe you are talking about the bill recognizes the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority for purposes of developing and implementing a horseracing anti-doping and medication control program and a racetrack safety program.
The authority shall establish an anti-doping and medication control standing committee and a racetrack safety standing committee to provide guidance to the authority on the development and maintenance of the programs.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) shall have oversight over the authority. The authority shall submit to the FTC any proposed rule, standard, or procedure developed by the authority to carry out the horseracing anti-doping and medication control program or the racetrack safety program. The authority shall seek to enter into an agreement with the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency or an entity equal in qualification under which the entity acts as the anti-doping and medication control enforcement agency under this bill.
Among the required elements of the horseracing safety program are sets of training and racing safety standards consistent with the humane treatment of horses, a system to maintain track surface quality, programs for injury and fatality analysis, investigation and disciplinary procedures, and an evaluation and accreditation program.
This is a very good bill for the horses but where Bernell has a concern is will it hurt small tracks? He might be right!
Every track must set up this program which cost money. I don’t work for any track, but I think they need to put on their thinking caps to create more revenue, maybe some kind of specials to get more attendance. So, for now everyone needs to support your local track Big or Small.
We don’t have a commission like the major sports like the MLB has a commissioner, NBA, NFL and so on. Racing needs all tracks to get together and get a commissioner and put together rules on racing, meditations etc.….for all tracks.
Q- Matthew S asked Are there any current opportunities to join a group buying a thoroughbred horse in a co-operative action. Are you familiar with this system and would you recommend any?
A-Yes Matthew I’m very familiar with syndicates or co-operative group buying. The first thing is you must ask yourself “what kind of syndications do I want to belong to?” There are many of them out there some you pay for everything up front “Which means they charge you on what they think it will cost every day that you own the horse.”
There are some that will charge 30% on up for a markup and the charge for your portion for training, vet, shoes, transportation etc. And, of course, there are ones that mark it up well over 40% and you can buy .001% for just $100 but you don’t own it you are leasing it.
Now do I know any ? Yes, I’m starting one as we speak. For racing I’m charging 15% for researching, transportation and all other fees on top of the purchase price plus taxes. Also adding $120 per day for training for 4 months, $1600 Vet bill per month for four months and $10,000 for insurance. I will be pricing it per 1% in shares.
I’m also doing a pinhooking syndicate. Looking for investors starting from $20,000 and up to buy weaning’s at the November sale in KY and sell them the following year in September. And I’m doing the same thing for breeding stock which will be mares.
If you or anyone wants Names of some Syndications or if you want more information on joining me, email [email protected] and I’ll be glad on helping you with this adventure if it’s with me or someone else.
About Charles Trent
Charles Trent started going to the races when he was 10 years old and bought his first racehorse when he was 18 years old. He’s been involved in the sport of Kings since. Charles understands both the gambling and training part of the sport.
He has owned horses on and off since 1985, trained horses from 1999 to 2008 and every horse that he purchased as a trainer got to the winner circle. Charles worked with top trainers and jockeys as an owner along with many great grooms, jockeys, jockey agents and even racing office personal as a trainer. Now, Charles is a Bloodstock Agent helping people start their journey in this Great Sport.
Charles will take your questions taking questions about horseracing from buying horses for racing to pinhooking, breeding, the ins and outs of the backside from a trainer’s point of view and even about gambling.
Send Charles Trent, Bloodstock Agent and Racing Manager of Big Casino Racing, your questions to [email protected]
