Clinton Binda has urged trainers to clarify the recently implemented stakes percentage changes with their owners.
Binda, who spearheaded negotiations for the increase from 7 – 10% for trainers in qualifying jurisdictions, confirms that the changes will facilitate automated stakes payments via the NRB so that trainers will automatically receive the newly agreed 10% portion via EFT.
He cautioned that although the RA has sanctioned a 3% increase, this was done to assist those who were still charging the standard 7% and not an invitation to trainers who may already be charging a larger portion to increase this further.
“If we don’t adhere to this, the RA have informed me that they are going to pull their assistance with this and it will revert back to 7%,” he warns.
While trainers are welcome to negotiate fees over and above 10%, these will need to be facilitated privately.
Clinton urged trainers to ensure changes were communicated clearly to patrons to ensure a smooth transition.