Challenges In Getting To The Race Track

The next one is $$$.  When u run out of it, the racing stops in its tracks.  RR stable:  been there/done that in Lexington, KY 1998. 

The good stuff re TB racing it's maybe the only professional sport widely available at relatively low cost.  NASCAR requires 10 million to get in.  TB is upper middle class doable in terms of $$$.

Discussing $$$ and racing need we take note that a dollar is hardly what it was even a few years ago?  Being old age, $3000 seems like a lot of dough to me whereas now days an income of $3000/mo. puts one barely above the poverty line. Similarly, when I got in they were talking about training fees of $20/day.  $30-35/day was average and $60/day was high.  What will $60 per day or $1800 per month/horse get now days at a race track--probably a horse that is getting less than it needs for optimal performance.(concluded last sentence before below analysis.  Maybe $1800/mo/horse gets decent training?)

Whats it cost?  Having been absent from race track for a while,  am trying to fathom.  Look at this "per horse".

$150.00 Hay--half a bale a day at $10/bale were we are.
$125.00 Straw and bedding.  I use straw on top of sawdust. 3 bales/week at $8/bale.
$162.00 Feed--15 lbs/day.
$200.00 Rider--$10/day (is that still the going rate. Surely it's $12-$15 by now.)
$90.00--Supplements--vitamins, minerals, protein, anti-bleeder
$100.00--track related expenses.
$30.00--tack
$75.00--vet, lasix for strenuous breezes, although I will use over the counter anti-bleeders with the youngsters.
$50.00 misc.

$982.00/mo.TOTAL for a horse that's racing.  Probably can subtract about $182.00 for when the horse first gets there.  So, let's say $800.00 per month.

Need add to this:
$800.00--above expense.
$180.00--stall rent in Opelousas, La.
$100.00--Walker (I prefer to rent a paddock. Doubt one is available.)

$1080.00.00 TOTAL per horse.

If u need a trainer--my Q--why would any trainer mess with a horse daily without making at least $800/mo?
I guess that some would if they have more horses to train.  Let's say a trainer must make $500/mo. per horse + purse share to make the thing financially worth it.

This is $1580.00/horse or $53/horse per day with $500/mo trainer profit. Imperfect analysis that includes stall rent, though likely very close to actual race track expense when one is racing.  Look at this in terms of RR stable next.

Training:
Sat 9/27.  Trainer poops out. Happens once in a while. Started to go to the farm with attitude--just other than into it this day. Off.  Happily by Sun. morn. motivation returns. Takes a lot of physical and mental energy. Occasional vacation permitted.