The Euroa based training partnership of Hall of Fame trainer David Hayes and his nephew Tom Dabernig are reaping the reward from the support they entrusted to the start up industry cash flow company, Horse Training Packages (HTP).
“It sounded a bit complicated but nothing could be further from the truth,” said Hayes. “The packages have been utilised by a variety of different profile clients on all different profile horses – from yearlings going through their breaking in and education program, to the ever constant veteran Extra Zero, the Horse Training Packages have worked for everyone,” he added. “If you look through the Lindsay Park nominations for the upcoming spring races, many of them have benefited under the guise of HTPs.”
The HTP team (as Hayes calls them) includes established top line sprinters Gregers and Fast ‘N’ Rocking, Australian Cup runner up – Extra Zero, emerging top liner He Or She and Sandown Guineas winner Petrology have been joined by boom 3yo’s Keen Array, Extra Choice, a lightly raced Kiwi called He’s Our Rokkii and a couple of smokey 3yo fillys sourced by HTP founder Mark Pilkington.
“When Mark Pilkington Management (MPM) sends us a new horse it effectively has a cheque for 12 months training fees attached to its head collar,” said Dabernig.
Pilkington admits to being excited by owners glowing reports on the functionality of the HTPs. “The HTPs have achieved our initial goal of making racing more financially viable – via the 12% discount on all fees and less of an administrative burden for owners, all this while providing financial stability for the trainers. My business partner Darren Thomas has an extensive and growing portfolio of horses and we will continue to support those who embrace our upfront payment product with new horses and new ownership groups.” Mark Pilkington
Another recent success, Sandown winner Sistine Spirit now looks to have a bright future after being patiently handled by emerging Caulfield based trainer Andrew Noblet. “I have had 9 fully paid up for yearlings join my stables via HTP/ Mark Pilkington Management,” remarked Noblet. “Having my stable exposed to new owners who pay up front via HTPs has been great for my business.”
Noblet is also training several 2yos for a Singapore clients of Mark Pilkington Management that are on HTPs. “Not dealing with monthly accounts and currency swings works for both of us,” said Noblet.
Lindsay Park and Noblet, like many other trainers across Australia use a specific accounting software developed for the horse training industry known as Ardex. The linkage between HTP and Ardex is seamless.
Trainers in SA, NSW & WA are utilising and trialing Horse Training Packages. “Only one trainer to date has failed to uphold the strict conditions placed upon them with regard to HTP compliance, our owner/trainer protection is flawless. It really works, I’m chuffed,” said Mark Pilkington.
The success of recent acquisitions since getting back into sourcing bloodstock through Mark Pilkington Management is providing great pleasure Mark and the people who have supported him. “To think we have live prospects for Coolmore Stakes, Mackinnon Stakes and the VRC Derby is a big thrill for all concerned,” said Pilkington.
The variety of trainers and the volume of horses currently under management by way of both these complimentary services, (HTP and MPM) provides Mark and his team with the information flow to continue to improve these revolutionary racing industry service offerings.