Macedonio: Trainers should earn their place in the sport
Why don’t we have “P” (Provisional) Trainers? We have all of these rules and regulations to acquire a license to drive a standardbred, but it’s relatively easy to get a training one.
Everyone SAYS that they want to stop “beards” and have integrity in harness racing, but I don’t really see many solutions. So, here’s how we make a “P” class of trainers. You ready? Just wait a few minutes before sending your hate mail straight to Editor Derick Giwner.
Any overnight, non-stakes or series race with a purse under $7,499 would be considered a “P” race and ANY trainer can enter a horse into it. Races above $7,500 would be “A” races and only trainers with the proper credentials can enter. But Ryan, how do I get my “A” license?
It’s simple, 1000 points gets you an “A” license. Points are awarded based upon the UTRS system (9 points for a win, 5 points for 2nd, 3 points for 3rd). Simple enough, right?
I know some people are standing on their chairs typing in all caps, BUT RYAN, WHAT ABOUT STAKES RACES? That’s simple, it’s based upon the horse. A horse has to earn 25 points with a “P” Trainer in order to compete in a stakes/series race. If you’re an “A” trainer, you can basically enter where you want, when you want.
The whole point of this exercise is to have a buffer zone where trainers and their accompanying business model and training regimen are put under some pressure to succeed for a period of time. Remember, this is about integrity and limiting beards, which again, everyone says that they want, right?
So if a trainer gets a positive test and he decides to transfer horses to an unknown conditioner, they can’t just conduct business as usual. The operation will have to suffer for a while, racing at the smaller tracks and venues. This rule will also help the younger trainers stay focused on having success at the smaller venues. Stay in your lane, grow and learn. Don’t worry about big-time right out of the gate!
Realistically, if you do the math, 1,000 points should be about 55 wins, 2nds, and 3rds. If you’re good, that’ll maybe take a year or two. If you have a phenomenal 2-year-old and it’s a gorilla early, you’ll have to weather the storm for a few starts and get your 25 points, then start dominating stakes races. Ok, now you can send the hate mail to Derick!