News Releases

Thursday, September 03, 2009Contact: Bob Curran Jr. (212) 521-5326
Uniform National Trainer's Test Study Guide
Published by Welfare and Safety Summit

The Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit has published and made available for purchase the Uniform National Trainer's Test Study Guide, a comprehensive resource for individuals preparing to take a state-administered trainer’s licensing exam.

The 108-page study guide is designed to assist with preparations for both the written and barn test components of the exam. The guide was compiled by Dr. C. Reid McLellan, executive director of the Groom Elite Program, a non-profit horsemen’s education service that provides high-quality equine care courses to grooms, owners and trainers.

The study guide covers in detail every topic included in the national trainer’s exam that has been provided to state racing commissions by the Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit’s Education and Licensing Committee. The guide also identifies the practical skills necessary to successfully complete the barn test portion of the exam.

“The Uniform National Trainer's Test Study Guide gives aspiring trainers a leg up when preparing for the trainer’s exam,” said Remi Bellocq, chief executive officer of the National HBPA. “Our work in helping to establish the Groom Elite Program back in 2001 has helped us provide horsemen with opportunities for professional and personal growth and improved horsemanship. The National HBPA remains committed to the concept that improved welfare and safety begins with education and tough, but fair, uniform national licensing standards.”

The Uniform National Trainer's Test Study Guide is available for $40.00. The best way to order the guide is at this link: https://www.grayson-jockeyclub.org/WelfareSafety/default.asp?WelfareSafety. Scroll Down and click PAY NOW.

Please contact Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation by emailing contactus@grayson-jockeyclub.org for more information.

An entire chapter of the study guide is devoted to the rules of racing. Dr. McLellan noted, “It is important for users to understand not only the general rules of racing presented in the study guide, but also the rules and regulations specific to their jurisdiction, as these can vary a bit from state to state. Most state racing commissions have posted their rules of racing online and a list of commission websites is included in the appendix as a convenience.”

In addition, Dr. McLellan will be hosting a trainer’s exam prep class in Southern California from November 1 – 4. Additional information about the class is available by contacting Dr. McLellan at rmclellan@groomelite.com.

The Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit, coordinated and underwritten by Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation and The Jockey Club, featured a wide cross-section of the breeding, racing and veterinary community for two-day workshops in October 2006 and March 2008. Both summits were hosted by Keeneland Association.

Additional information about the Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit is available on the summit’s website at http://www.grayson-jockeyclub.org/summitdisplay.asp.