We have always paid rearing,training fees, and other expenses plus trainer received half or all prize money whether it be a 5th grade, City win or Group 1 win!!
This is in NSW.

Would changing it make it more viable?

IE; $25 per week 70/30 or $50 80/20% Would $50 plus 80 split make it more appealing to attracting more participants.

On the other hand would $50 p/w plus 20% make it alot more viable for the trainers? Would this arrangement make it easier for people to find trainers & place their dogs, would this help towards dogs having a longer career.

Zak

If it's racing on country tracks a small fee & 50/50 split is fair
I have seen more owners leave the industry over the last 20 years than trainers.

Brian what's your thoughts on part time trainers ?

Without varying kenneling times excludes part time trainers - cld spell the end for owners too, as Paul is saying it's getting too expensive for owners to own a dog.

I reckon Hellen is spot on! if pre training is needed, a small fee is reasonable but then when ready to race just a straight split 50 /50... no fuss.

Paul,

Here in QLD it can vary, depending on who you talk to.
The old adage of " you get what you pay for" rings true MOST of the time.
In fairness to both trainer and owner it really does depend on where your dog is at and how much ability it has.

A trainer should be flexible enough to tailor make a deal for each individual dog, in my opinion.

If a dog has very limited ability(who cost the same to feed, trial, race, as a good dog) then a trainer with 10 of those in his kennel, training on a 50/50 bases, is going to struggle like hell.
A trainer who has 10 city/group class dogs in his kennel training on 50/50 does very well.

Each dog fits into the system somewhere, as long as both owner and trainer are agreeable.
To take the example of a fee PLUS 50/50 WHILE the dog is racing, in my view, is just greed and I would not have my dog there.

Basically, if its a good dog, with no serious issues, I'm happy with a straight 50/50 scenario.
If the dog has ability, but short of city class, $65 a week, plus 33.3% of prize money.
Smart sprinter could be either of the above.
Pre training, $75 per week.

You will have a mix with all of the above and a few more thrown in, DEPENDING on the dogs ability.

To be asked to pay a fee plus 50/50 I'd walk away, unless it was racing at Ayres Rock for $150 per race...even then, it wouldn't be worth it.

ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS been a bone of contention with me.
Quite simply...INSULTING!
Ok, its not going to make or break anyone, but the simple principal of it is so wrong.

I asked the question..."Why does a greyhound Club have to show profit?" I've never had a realistic answer.

I wonder what would happen if the trainers just refused to pay?
Call the meeting off?

BTW Paul, in QLD we get $25.

Trainers from NSW need to explain the breakdown of fees and why they need to charge that amount when obviously Victorian trainers can train for much less. Have a look at Wentworth Park lately. There hasnt been full fields and there is decent prizemoney on offer there. Why dont trainers nominate where good money is available????

I think greed has a LOT to do with it!

We were told by another owner here is NSW that his trainer only trained for a percentage of the prizemoney and he was absolutely shocked when we told him of the arrangements we were in. We were lead to believe that this arrangement was considered the "norm" here in NSW by the trainer.

We were also told early on, if the dog won in the city no training fees would be charged. Well wasnt that all hogwash!!

The authorities should maybe take a look at what trainers are charging and make a standard rule across the code. Owners will then be able to make an informed decision about owning a greyhound.