Category: Trainers Exam Prep Class

The Elite Program Offering Two April Classes

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Subject: April classes

Trainers’ Exam Prep class at Lone Star Park – April 15-17

Basic Grooming 099 – Lexington, Kentucky – April 22-26

Information and registration:
http://www.purplepowerracing.com ; http://www.groomelite.com

The Elite Program, Inc. through its Groom Elite Education programs has opened registration for two April classes open to the public. A critical current topic in racing is the lack of qualified help to fill open positions in the racing industry. For the third year in a row, The Jockey Club, Magdalena Farm, National HBPA and Keeneland are sponsoring Groom Elite’s Basic Grooming 099 (BG099) April 22-26 at Keeneland and Magdalena Farm in Lexington, Ky.

Basic Grooming will provide anyone wanting to work with racehorses some basic skills necessary to work safely with regal Thoroughbred athletes. Those meeting minimum skill levels in haltering, leading, brushing and picking feet are virtually assured of being offered a job. If you have a strong work ethic, are physically able to walk several miles a day and are willing to start work at 5 AM you will be offered a position with opportunity to move up rapidly from entry level hotwalker to groom, senior groom, shedrow foreman and even assistant trainer if that is a goal. Previous BG099 graduates (with minimal previous horse experience) have become shedrow foremen within 4 months of completing this class. Tuition is only $99 and many employers will reimburse that tuition after the first month of employment. Tuition assistance is available (request an application) for those seriously seeking a job in the racing industry. Class size is limited to 20, so sign up right away to guarantee your spot.

Also, April 15-17, the 18 th Lone Star Park Trainers’ Exam Prep Class will be offered at the Grand Prairie Track. For anyone interested in the Rules of Racing, this class is 3 days of discussion, demonstrations and practice of barn test skills (bandaging) as well as an intensive review of the law under which racing is conducted. With constantly changing rules, particularly medication and claiming rules as well as other rules regarding the welfare and safety of racehorses, this class provides information helpful to owners and others desiring to understand the rules of racing whether they plan to take a trainer’s exam or not.

Class size is limited to 12 to facilitate opportunity for questions and maximum participation. Tuition is $299 if paid online or $330 at the door.

For information or to register, go to or Anyone without internet access may call Dr. “Mac” at 859-321-4377 and sign up over the phone.

Three New Elite Program Trainer Classes Set for Feb/Mar

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Trainers’ Exam Prep class at Sam Houston Race Park ~ February 23-26 

Trainers’ Exam Prep class in Ocala, Florida  ~ March 9-12 

Philosophy & Methods of Training Racehorses ~ March 21-24 

Information and registration: www.purplepowerracing.com; www.groomelite.com 

 

Registration is now open for three new classes presented by The Elite Program, Inc., home of Groom Elite education programs. This is the first winter in 12 years, C. Reid McLellan, PhD is available to offer his Trainers’ Exam Prep Class at two new venues plus a first time offering in Lexington, Kentucky of Philosophy & Methods of Training Racehorses. Those interested are encouraged to sign up early at http://www.purplepowerracing.com or http://www.groomelite.com. Early sign up ensures participants of a seat in the limited enrollment classes and a tuition savings of $50. 

McLellan, “Dr. Mac” to participants, is a well-known and liked national instructor of Groom Elite classes around the country. Dr. Mac has experience as a University professor of Animal and Equine Science classes, licensed racehorse trainer, handicapper and tip sheet writer and curriculum writer for education programs from the Groom Elite certificate programs, Community College associate of applied science degrees and Bachelor of Science degrees. Dr. Mac founded an award-winning equine program at Louisiana Tech University in which senior students that successfully completed 3 years of a comprehensive 4-year curriculum took the Trainers’ Exam of the Louisiana Racing Commission and spent their senior year as licensed Louisiana racehorse trainers in addition to their senior year of study. 

Trainers’ Exam Prep class is a concentrated discussion of the rules of racing including information trainer applicants must know to pass a trainer’s licensing exam. Day one is devoted to horse care and management plus other information included in the barn test portion of the National Trainers’ Exam. Days two and three focus on administrative rules that govern horse racing including Trainer Responsibility, Duties of Racing Officials, Responsibilities of Licensees, Jockeys & Jockey Agents, Medication, Claiming, Racetrack Protocol, Entering with Correct Weight and more. 

You don’t have to be planning on taking the Trainers’ Licensing Exam to take this class. In addition to prospective trainers, owners, jockeys and handicappers have participated to learn more about the rules of racing. Class size is limited to 12 to facilitate opportunity for questions and maximum participation. Tuition is $349 with a $299 early bird tuition if paid by February 8 for Sam Houston Race Park and February 11 for Ocala. 

Over 300 have successfully completed a Trainers’ Exam Prep class since McLellan taught the first one at Sam Houston Race Park in 1998. That class was the catalyst that launched what was to become Groom Elite 101, flagship class of the Groom Elite certification programs. The tight 3-day format for the Trainers’ Exam Prep limited opportunities for discussion regarding training techniques. Philosophy & Methods of Training Racehorses is now scheduled in response to requests from Trainers’ Exam Prep class participants. Enrollment will be limited to 20 participants. Tuition is $449 with an Early Bird tuition of $399 if paid by February 23rd. Trainers’ Exam prep class graduates receive an additional $50 off tuition. 

For more information and to register, go to www.purplepowerracing.com. Anyone without internet access may call Dr. “Mac” at 859-321-4377 and sign up over the phone. 

The Elite Program, Inc. is a 501(C)3 non-profit that provides equine education classes through its Groom Elite™ curriculum. With its initial primary mission (in 2001) to provide education to grooms and hotwalkers or Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse Racehorses, Groom Elite continually adapts and updates it’s programming that now includes courses for grooms and owners of OTTB show horses and welcomes owners and grooms of any breed. A notable program is Second Chances Groom Elite, taught in five adult correctional facilities in partnership with the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation and its local affiliates/ Participants learn life lessons while developing an employable skill working with retired racehorses 

Trainers Exam Prep Class in Lexington, Kentucky, November 16-18, 2018

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Subject: Trainers Exam Prep Class in Lexington, Kentucky 

Dates: November 16-18, 2018 

Location: Keeneland Kitchen conference room 

Lexington, Kentucky 

Registration fee: $299 by November 9; $349 after 

Contact: C. Reid McLellan, PhD 859-321-4377

The Groom Elite Program and Purple Power Equine Services are sponsoring a Trainers’ Exam Prep Class at Keeneland’s Track Kitchen Conference Room in Lexington, KY Friday through Sunday November 16-19. Instructor C. Reid McLellan, PhD, Executive Director of the nationally recognized Groom Elite Program since 2005, participated on the Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse’s committee that wrote a standardized National Trainers’ Exam. McLellan has been teaching rules of racing to prospective trainers since 1985 and is continually updating the materials used in this class. 

Each racing jurisdiction has it’s on rule book and a trainer must be aware of those differences when sending horses across jurisdiction lines. Owners take this class to become more aware of the rules under which their trainer is working. Experienced grooms and shedrow foremen desiring to become assistant trainers benefit from this prep class. Even handicappers have taken this class to more completely understand the game as they seek an edge over their competition. 

First day is devoted to terminology, definitions and information that is included on the barn test. The final day is devoted to racing activity including, rules for first time starters, claiming rules (that are changing steadily) and entering horses including an understanding how to determine correct weight to be carried by a horse being entered. Rules differ from state to state and McLellan discusses those important differences. In between, administrative rules are highlighted by a veterinary session on Day 2 that stimulates lively discussion. 

Registration fee is $299 if paid by November 9, $349 after if space is available. Class size is limited to 10 so early registration is recommended. (The June 2017 Lexington class sold out.) 

For more information and to register for this Trainers’ Exam Prep Class, go to http://www.purplepowerracing.com Dr. McLellan is available by cell phone at 859-321-4377, twitter @creidmac or email creidmac@gmail.com 

Groom Elite announces Horseman’s classes for late February, March and April

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What, Where, When: 

Trainers’ Exam Prep Class at Gulfstream Park Feb 22-24 

Behavior and Handling Clinic in Delray Beach, FL March 10 

18th Trainers Exam Prep Class at Lone Star Park April 11-13 

2nd Annual Basic Grooming 099 Workforce Development Class, Lexington, KY April 16-20 

Information & Registration: http://www.groomelite.com; http://www.purplepowerracing.com

The Elite Program, Inc. and Purple Power Racing Services owner C. Reid McLellan, PhD announced a full schedule of classes for the end of winter and beginning of spring. Two Trainers’ Exam Prep Classes, a first-of -its-kind one-day horse behavior and handling clinic and the second annual Horsemen’s Workforce Development at Magdalena Farms in Lexington, Ky highlight the schedule.

Horse Behavior & Handling – A One-day Clinic. For the first time, Dr. Mac will be teaching the foundation lessons of every Groom Elite, Owner Elite and Trainer Elite classes that he teaches. “ “Understanding how the pressure from predators molded the conformation and instinctive behavior of horses enables horsemen to develop a harmonious, peaceful, productive relationship between horse and handler”, stated McLellan. This one day clinic, held at Johnson’s Folly Stables, 5135 Conklin Drive, Delray Beach, FL 33484 has a low tuition of $99 and will possibly reach its participant limit.

Trainers’ Exam Prep Classes – A special Trainers’ Exam Prep Class is scheduled at Gulfstream Park February 22-24. With several from the Groom Elite 101/201 classes at Gulfstream Park aspiring to be assistant trainers, Dr. Mac offers this rules of racing class from 10 AM to 3PM. When asked about the shorter class time, Dr. Mac explained, “Most attendees of this class have completed Groom Elite classes. I go right into the rules of racing and don’t have to spend as much time on the barn test materials since we have covered that in the Groom Elite classes” Due to support from Florida HBPA and Gulfstream Park, tuition for this class is the “early bird” rate of $299 with Groom Elite graduates receiving a special scholarship rate of $150.

18th Lone Star Park Trainers Exam Prep Class scheduled April 11-13. This is the class that “started it all” as in 1998 the first such program at Lone Star Park sold out. Even with racing’s constant struggle for existence in Texas, Lone Star Park continues to be a popular venue for this class. Limited to enrollment of 12, recent classes in 2015 and 2017 sold out. Offered immediately following the Texas Thoroughbred Association’s Two-year old in Training Sale at Lone Star Park (April 10) classes are conducted Wednesday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM; Thursday 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM and Friday 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. In addition to barn test requirements, Dr. Mac spices up the lectures with philosophy and methods of training. Each year, McLellan updates the 120 page text to keep up with the regular changes, particularly claiming as more states change their claiming rules. Medication is always a concern as states work toward a uniform medication policy. As requested by stewards McLellan emphasizes rules regarding trainers’ daily responsibilities and activities to help cut down on procedural violations. Early bird tuition of $299 through March 17 and afterwards tuition advances to $349.

Second Annual Basic Horse Handling and Care (Basic Grooming -99) Workforce preparation class co-sponsored by Kenny McPeek’s Magdalena Farms will be held April 16-20. Through a developing partnership between Groom Elite and the Kentucky Horseshoeing School, classroom sessions will be held at KHS campus 3612 Lexington Road, Richmond, KY 40475. Hands-on barn sessions will be at Magdalena Farms 2651 Russell Cave Road, Lexington, KY 40511. Following the 2017 class every participant that was interested in employment was offered a job shortly after

The Elite Program, Inc. 

completing the program. This class is designed to prepare people for entry level jobs in the racing industry. Principles learned may be applied to any situation in which horses are handled daily. Also targeted are individuals that may have recently acquired a retired racehorse (or other equine) and are interested in learning the basics for horse handling and care. Experienced horsepeople interested in learning how to teach others to work with horses are invited to attend. A special evening session will be scheduled to discuss those teaching principles. Program format is an hour and a half of classroom instruction followed by 2 hours of demonstrations and practice with live horses. On Friday, those interested in obtaining a job will be evaluated and counseled with recommendations and referral to individuals seeking employees With support from The Jockey Club, NTRA and HBPA, tuition for this spring class is only $99. A $25 deposit will hold a spot until April 2 when the balance would be due. (Tuition assistance is available for those looking for employment.)

Those interested in any (or all) of these programs are encouraged to go to http://www.groomelite.com or http://www.purplepowerracing.com for more information and to register. Anyone without internet access is invited to call Dr. “Mac” at 859-321-4377 to sign up

The Elite Program, Inc. is a 501(C)3 non-profit that provides equine education classes through it’s Groom Elite™ curriculum. With its initial primary mission (in 2001) to provide education to grooms and hotwalkers or Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse Racehorses, Groom Elite continually adapts and updates it’s programming that now includes courses for grooms and owners of OTTB show horses and welcomes owners and grooms of any breed. One of it’s more notable programs is its Second Chances Groom Elite curriculum taught in five adult correctional facilities in partnership with the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation and it’s local affiliates in which participants learn life lessons while developing an employable skill working with retired racehorses.

 

Ad flyer for LSP 18Draft Flyer BG099 Lex 0418

Trainers’ Exam Prep Class at Remington Park still has Openings for Aug. 16-18 Course

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Subject: Trainers’ Exam Prep class at Remington Park

When: August 16-18

Tuition: Early Registration by Aug 11, $299; After August 11th, $349.

Class size: Limited to 12

Information: www.groomelite.com; www.purplepowerracing.com

 

Trainers’ Exam Prep Class at Remington Park in Oklahoma City August 16-18 has 4 remaining spots as of August 6th. Class size is limited so each participant has a chance to participate and get his or her questions answered. This class focuses on the Rules of Racing with emphasis on rules from states represented. Discussion of rule variances from state to state is included.

 

Lenford Clarke, 2016 graduate of a Florida Trainers’ Exam Prep class recently visited Gulfstream Park’s winner’s circle with his first winner in July. Elizabeth Dobles, another recent Florida TExP graduate has multiple winners at Gulfstream Park in 2017.

 

A class may be scheduled in Kentucky later this fall, but no definite date has been announced. Those interested in taking a Trainers’ Licensing exam are encouraged to go to www.groomelite.com or www.purplepowerracing.com for more information and to register. Anyone without internet access may call 859-252-8648 (Race for Education) or Dr. “Mac” at 859-321-4377 and sign up over the phone.

 

 

The Elite Program, Inc. is a 501(C)3 non-profit that provides equine education classes through it’s Groom Elite™ curriculum. With its initial primary mission (in 2001) to provide education to grooms and hotwalkers or Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse Racehorses, Groom Elite continually adapts and updates it’s programming that now includes courses for grooms and owners of OTTB show horses and welcomes owners and grooms of any breed. One of it’s more noteable programs is its Second Chances Groom Elite curriculum taught in five adult correctional facilities in partnership with the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation and it’s local affiliates in which participants learn life lessons while developing an employable skill working with retired racehorses.

Trainers’ Exam Prep Class at Remington Park

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Contact: C. Reid McLellan, PhD 859-321-4377
When: August 16-18
Tuition: Early Registration by Aug4 $299; After August 4th, $349.
Class size: Limited to 12

Information: http://www.groomelite.com; http://www.purplepowerracing.com

With the 2017 summer Trainers’ Exam Prep Class in Lexington, Kentucky June 28-30 selling out, seven participants have already signed up for one of 12 available spots in the August 16-18 Trainers’ Exam Prep class at Remington Park in Oklahoma City. Registration is open and interested participants are encouraged to sign up early to guarantee a spotin this class at http://www.groomelite.com or http://www.purplepowerracing.com.

Presented by Dr. C. Reid “Mac” McLellan, well known national instructor of Groom Elite classes around the country, the Trainers’ Exam Prep class is three days of concentrated study of the Rules of Racing with specific emphasis on day to day rules of which trainers must be aware. Day one is devoted to horse care and management plus other information included in the barn test portion of the National Trainers’ Exam. Days two and three focus on administrative rules that govern horse racing including Trainer Responsibility, Duties of Racing Officials, Responsibilities of Licensees, Jockeys & Jockey Agents, Medication, Claiming, Racetrack Protocol, Entering with Correct Weight and more.

Lenford Clarke, 2016 graduate of a Florida Trainers’ Exam Prep class recently visited Gulfstream Park’s winner’s circle with his first winner.

Those interested are encouraged to go to  http://www.groomelite.com or http://www.purplepowerracing.com for more information and to register. Anyone without internet access may call 859-252-8648 (Race for Education) or Dr. “Mac”at 859-321-4377 and sign up over the phone.

The Elite Program, Inc. is a 501(C)3 non-profit that provides equine education classes through it’s Groom Elite™ curriculum.  With its initial primary mission (in 2001) to provide education to grooms and hotwalkers or Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse Racehorses, Groom Elite continually adapts and updates it’s programming that now includes courses for grooms and owners of OTTB show horses and welcomes owners and grooms of any breed. One of it’s more noteable programs is its Second Chances Groom Elite curriculum taught in five adult correctional facilities in partnership with the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation and it’s local affiliates in which participants learn life lessons while developing an employable skill working with retired racehorses.