Trainers Suspension

Originally Posted by Rupert Pupkin

As I said before, the racing board tries to make sure that the assistant doesn't give any money to the trainer but I'm sure there are ways that the some money could be snuck to the trainer.

The CHRB actually used to do what you recommended just a few years ago. They figued it was a waste of time to fight in court with the trainers since trainers usually appeal the suspensions. So the CHRB would just make the trainers pay a fairly large fine without admitting wrongdoing and there would be no suspension. The CHRB took a lot of heat for this approach. The CHRB has new members now and they do not use this approach.

What kind of heat did the CHRB take for assessing large fines?

[Rupert Pupkin]

Originally Posted by eurobounce

What kind of heat did the CHRB take for assessing large fines?

It wasn't the large fines that upset people. People were upset because they felt these trainers were pretty much getting off scott-free. If you fine Mullins $10,000, that's not going to really hurt him. He probably makes about $800,000 a year. A $10,000 fine is really just a slap on the wrist. These big trainers are thrilled if they can pay $10,000 and get off the hook. I'll bet you Asumussen would have been willing to pay 10x that amount if he could have avoided the 6 month suspension.

[ELA]

Originally Posted by Rupert Pupkin

It wasn't the large fines that upset people. People were upset because they felt these trainers were pretty much getting off scott-free. If you fine Mullins $10,000, that's not going to really hurt him. He probably makes about $800,000 a year. A $10,000 fine is really just a slap on the wrist. These big trainers are thrilled if they can pay $10,000 and get off the hook. I'll bet you Asumussen would have been willing to pay 10x that amount if he could have avoided the 6 month suspension.

$800k? Seems like a big # to me. To date, Mullins is not in the top 25 in earnings, at least I don't think he is. Even though I am in the financial industry, I don't count other people's money -- at least not to an extent, LOL. Anyway, I don't think Mullins makes that kind of money but I certainly could be wrong. It is probably a futile discussion.

If you want to count any seasons, shares, breedings, etc. he might get from a superstar performer; and commissions, bonuses, etc. -- maybe he can get to that kind of number on a gross basis. But with everything he was to pay out, overhead, the growing economics, etc., I don't think the number would be that high, but again, as I said, I could be very wrong.

Eric

[Gander]

800K and still the worst haircut in the business. 800K and still feels the need to call us people who gamble on horse racing stupid losers. Whats that saying? Dont bite the hand that feeds you? Dont sh-it where you sleep?

[ELA]

Originally Posted by Gander

800K and still the worst haircut in the business. 800K and still feels the need to call us people who gamble on horse racing stupid losers. Whats that saying? Dont bite the hand that feeds you? Dont sh-it where you sleep?

Yes, that was certainly not a Mullins highlight. I don't know Jeff personally, but I do know some people who do and some know him well. I remember the story and remember the attention his comments got. I do think however he apologized and I think he elaborated on what he was trying to say. As far as the haircut -- heck, I wish I had that haircut, LOL.

Eric

[Gander]

His haircut seems more of one you'd see in Nascar. I wouldnt wish that cut on anyone and frankly I'd rather be losing my hair. I dont know the man either but he doesnt look like the brightest bulb on the tree. Those comments furthermore confirm it. Thats like somebody who does well in the financial business as an advisor saying people who put money in stocks are losers.

[ELA]

Originally Posted by Gander

His haircut seems more of one you'd see in Nascar. I wouldnt wish that cut on anyone and frankly I'd rather be losing my hair. I dont know the man either but he doesnt look like the brightest bulb on the tree. Those comments furthermore confirm it. Thats like somebody who does well in the financial business as an advisor saying people who put money in stocks are losers.

Very true.

Eric

[The Bid]

Didnt he cry on TV. Any grown man who cries on TV has my forgiveness. Plus it does take balls to walk around with that haircut.