Trainer Licensing
The information below is for Victorian Trainers licensed for the current racing season.
Relocation Or Additional Stable Applications
If a trainer wishes to apply to re-locate their training premises or apply for an additional licensed stable they must complete a Relocation/Additional Stable Application Form. This form may be submitted online or download Relocation/Additional Stable Application and submit to cru@racingvictoria.net.au.
Approval Process
• A stable inspection may be required prior to approval
• All Additional Stable applications must be approved by the Licensing Panel which meets monthly
• You will receive written confirmation once approved
• Horses must not be relocated prior to confirmation of approval
Transfer Of Horses After Nomination Time
In accordance with Local Rule LR 76, if a Victorian trainer intends to transfer a horse to any location other than their licensed premises after nomination time, they must complete a Transfer of Horses After Nomination Time Form. This form may be submitted online or downloaded and then emailed back to RV Stewards (rvstewardsonly@racingvictoria.net.au)
LR 27 Stabling prior to race:
1. Where a horse has been entered for any race, unless the permission of the Stewards has been granted, from time of entry to arrival on course prior to racing, the horse in question shall be stabled only at the premises from which the horse’s trainer is licensed to train.
2. Where a horse is entered for a race in which the entries close more than 60 days prior to the advertised date for the running of the race, sub-rule (1) shall not apply from the time of entry, but shall apply from the period commencing 6 days prior to the advertised date for the running of the race.
3. In this rule, a horse is “stabled” if it is stabled, yarded, or otherwise confined in any manner for any period of time, but does not apply to a horse that is being transported.
4. The trainer and any other person who was in charge of a horse at a time relevant to sub-rule (1) or (2) and who in the opinion of the Stewards has breached, or was a party to breaching sub- rule (1) or (2) may be penalised, and the horse concerned may be withdrawn from the race or disqualified. [amended 1/9/09]
2024-25 Licence Renewal Information
• All 2024-25 season renewals have been sent via email instructing you on how to complete the process. All renewals are to be completed online through your Stable Assist account. If you are experiencing difficulties completing your renewal please contact Racing Australia on 1800 954 143 or via licensing@racingaustralia.horse
Training Partnership
Victorian trainers can apply to train in a Training Partnership by downloading and completing the New Training Partnership Form and submitting it to licensing@racingaustralia.horse.
Training Partnership applications are reviewed by the Licensing Panel which meet monthly.
To dissolve a Training Partnership, a written letter signed by all partners must be submitted to licensing@racingaustralia.horse.
Jumps Trainer
Existing Victorian Trainers can apply for a Jumps Trainer Licence here.
Please contact cru@racingvictoria.net.au for more information.
Apprentice Jockey Employment Accreditation
Any trainer who wants to employ an apprentice jockey (including via loan or transfer) must first be accredited by Racing Victoria. The Apprentice Jockey Employment Accreditation process is to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the workplace and its culture, is appropriately aligned to support the welfare, well-being and development of the apprentice jockey.
Apprentice Jockey Employment Accreditation Process
If you would like to employ an apprentice jockey, please email AJTP@racingvictoria.net.au. You will be contacted by the Workforce Development Team, and provided with a link to Racing Victoria Learning, to enable you to commence the process starting with the accreditation criteria set out in the Apprentice Jockey Employment Accreditation Procedure.
Visiting International Trainers Including New Zealand
Click here to download the Visiting International Trainers application form.
New Trainer Information
There are four categories of Trainer Licence suitable for applicants with different levels of experience. All new applicants must familiarise themselves with the Trainer Licensing Policy prior to considering making an application.
General Licence Criteria
For all trainer licence applications there are key criteria to satisfy:
- Experience: has the practical experience reasonably required to carry on the vocation of a trainer;
- Age: is at least 18 years of age;
- Stables: has proper stable facilities providing security and safety for staff and horses (with reference to compliance under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004);
- Financial resources: has adequate financial resources to carry on training activities without material risk of being unable to pay his or her debts as and when they fall due;
- Suitability: has satisfied Racing Victoria that he or she is suitable to hold a licence or registration in line with the ‘Suitability Policy’, taking into account any fact(s) or matter(s) that it considers appropriate and;
- Examination: passes the written trainers examination conducted by Racing Victoria.
- All Trainer licence applications require 12 months of bank statements in the applicant’s name. As a guide the Licensing Panel are looking for a consistent balance of $15,000 or more over that period.
Pre-Trainer
A Pre-trainer licence is suitable for persons seeking to prepare and educate horses prior to the horses being sent to a licensed trainer for official trials and/or racing. It may be used as an opportunity to gain further experience prior to applying for an upgrade to Restricted Trainer.
A Pre-trainer cannot enter horses in official trials or races. A Pre-trainer applicant must satisfy all the requirements detailed in the Trainer Licensing Policy.
Trainer
A Trainer must satisfy all the requirements detailed in the Trainer Licensing Policy.
- Trainers can enter horses in official trails and races
- Trainers must have a minimum of one satisfactory runner per season
Application Process
Applications can be made by submitting a New Trainer Licence Application to licensing@racingaustralia.horse.
New Training Licence Application
- All new trainer licence applications follow the same process:
- Complete application with all supporting documents and evidence of meeting criteria;
- Interview;
- Stable Inspection;
- Racing Victoria Licensing Panel recommendation;
- Racing Victoria Board decision;
- Written notification of decision.