Training Agreement reminder

With the change of seasons seeing new horses coming into training, we would like to remind all owners of the benefits of having a Training Agreement in place.

This agreement safeguards both owner and trainer in relation to both the financial commitment of having a horse in training and what an owner can expect from the trainer.

An owner-trainer agreement must set out the terms agreed between the parties in respect of at least the following:

• The basic training fee (expressed as an amount payable by week or by calendar month);
• All other regular expenses (such as gallop fees, shoeing costs and the like);
• The extent of the Licensed Trainer's authority to incur any additional charges or expenses for the account of the owner (such as veterinary fees);
• Provision for variation to be made and for proper notification of variation to be made in writing;
• The time and method of payment by the owner;
• Any provision for a Trainer's lien;
• Any matter as to training agreements which is required by a code of conduct issued under the Rules of Racing;
• And such other matters as the Authority may from time to time direct.

The ROA has drawn up a training agreement in liaison with the National Trainers' Federation (NTF). The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has confirmed that the agreement complies with its rules that require that a signed training agreement exists between owner and trainer.

Both the ROA and the NTF recommend members to use the Training Agreement but this version is not mandatory. An alternative version can be used so long as it contains the minimum requirement as set out by the BHA in the Trainer Code linked to Rules of Racing.

Owners are reminded to read their agreement carefully and make sure the above areas are covered, and that they are happy with any terms outlined before signing.

The ROA / NTF agreement can be downloaded from the ROA website on www.roa.co.uk/ta