Paying drivers

[ownasluck]

Just curious how the drivers get paid and does it vary from track to track.
do they get a flat rate percentageg of the purse,or both? Im sure it will vary but say how does it work at the meadowlands?

[wilderness]

5% is the standard, however some drivers get stipends and other benefits (some even get free breedings which they may use or sell).
Years ago (and even in some instances today) it wasn't unusual for a winning driver to be handed tote-tickets.

Many states have direct payment methods setup where the trainer and driver percentages are taken directly from the purse and distributed in a timely and automatic method by an agent organization (tracks, horseman's assoc.'s or other).

A few places even have a percentage for grooms/caretakers. Some trainers in the east get this in writing.

[wilderness]

Joe O'Brien and a couple of others wouldn't even drive a horse unless they were guaranteed a compensation, regardless of outcome.

[ownasluck]

That's good info, Thank You