Assistant Trainer Wages Question

[Vince P]

We always read about horses that are trained by assistant trainers when the original trainer cannot come to that track. An example is Baffert's Brigand who is trained by the great Tonja Terranova every time he races in NY.

What percentage of the purse does Tonja receive when she trains one of Baffert's runners?

50%

77%

Does it vary?

Vince P

[Crazykid]

it varies widely. scott blase only makes minimum wage as steve assmuffens assistant even though he is who the real trainer is on all of assmuffens
top horses like curlin....oh because he only makes minimum wage he doesnt have to pay much child support on the kid he abandoned

[Claimboxx]

We always read about horses that are trained by assistant trainers when the original trainer cannot come to that track. An example is Baffert's Brigand who is trained by the great Tonja Terranova every time he races in NY.

What percentage of the purse does Tonja receive when she trains one of Baffert's runners?

50%

77%

Does it vary?

Vince P

Typically in an example like you posted where Tonja and her husband are sub trainers, not an assistants, they would charge Baffert their costs (feed, bedding, exercise rider, hotwalker, blacksmith, groom, etc..) and Baffert would bill his owner.. If the horse were there for an extended period of time, they would likely split the 10% commission the horse earns.

In an example where someone is an assistant trainer for a top barn (Scott Blasi for Asmussen, Humberto Ascanio when he worked for Bobby Frankel, Larry Benevides for John Sadler)...they usually fetch a very good salary and also get 1% of earnings (so if a top barn earns between $5 - 10 million in earnings, one percent on top of salary is good).

[Goofonroof]

Trustworthy, talented assistants are worth their weight in gold. Especially when the trainer has horses on more than one circuit. Southern California is blessed with top guys. In addition to the ones Boxx mentioned I'd add the name of Dan Ward who works with Jerry Hollendorfer. One of the very best!!

[Crazykid]

We always read about horses that are trained by assistant trainers when the original trainer cannot come to that track. An example is Baffert's Brigand who is trained by the great Tonja Terranova every time he races in NY.

What percentage of the purse does Tonja receive when she trains one of Baffert's runners?

50%

77%

Does it vary?

Vince P

Typically in an example like you posted where Tonja and her husband are sub trainers, not an assistants, they would charge Baffert their costs (feed, bedding, exercise rider, hotwalker, blacksmith, groom, etc..) and Baffert would bill his owner.. If the horse were there for an extended period of time, they would likely split the 10% commission the horse earns.

In an example where someone is an assistant trainer for a top barn (Scott Blasi for Asmussen, Humberto Ascanio when he worked for Bobby Frankel, Larry Benevides for John Sadler)...they usually fetch a very good salary and also get 1% of earnings (so if a top barn earns between $5 - 10 million in earnings, one percent on top of salary is good).

unless they dont want to pay child support

[Apad]

it varies widely. scott blase only makes minimum wage as steve assmuffens assistant even though he is who the real trainer is on all of assmuffens
top horses like curlin....oh because he only makes minimum wage he doesnt have to pay much child support on the kid he abandoned

I've played poker against him at @ the horseshoe in IN. He must make a little more than minimum wage to be at the medium tables.

[Crazykid]

he makes a lot more than that, but not on a paycheck. his baby momma was going after him so dont know what happened after that. one things for sure he is a focking preck

[Fredo]

it varies widely. scott blase only makes minimum wage as steve assmuffens assistant even though he is who the real trainer is on all of assmuffens
top horses like curlin....oh because he only makes minimum wage he doesnt have to pay much child support on the kid he abandoned

I've played poker against him at @ the horseshoe in IN. He must make a little more than minimum wage to be at the medium tables.

BTW I actually visited the Horseshoe for the 1st time over the holidays. Its a very impressive casino. Its as nice or nicer than 75% of the casinos in Vegas.The crew and I had a great time. We actually got pretty lucky on the 10.00 crap table. New shooter coming out,we all put 5.00 on the fire bet.Plus we all did well on the pass line with full odds. The shooter had the dice for 1 hr and 10 min.he made every pass number which made every player win their fire bet.The place went crazy. The table was rocking . When he finally crapped out he got a long standing ovation. I haven't been on a table like that in years. He must have made 3-400.00 in tips. Then we hit the buffet which was fantastic.Will definitely be going back in the spring.

[Claimboxx]

Trustworthy, talented assistants are worth their weight in gold. Especially when the trainer has horses on more than one circuit. Southern California is blessed with top guys. In addition to the ones Boxx mentioned I'd add the name of Dan Ward who works with Jerry Hollendorfer. One of the very best!!

You are correct, Dan is an excellent horseman, certainly would do great if/when he went on his own