Trainer’s fees blast

LEADING trainer Mick Price has hit out at “revenue raising” nomination fees as he confirms a change of tact with boom horse Ayrton, who will now be aimed at the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m).

Price originally intended a three-run Queensland campaign but after misfiring badly at the Gold Coast a week ago, opted to drop back to target the Stradbroke.

Owners will be forced to shell out a $9000 late nomination fee for Ayrton, who was never entered for the race when nominations closed a fortnight ago, frustrating Price.

“It’s $9000, race clubs keep punishing owners so that’s what it will be,” Price said.

“All they do is punish owners, I know it is a revenue raiser for them, but it makes you wonder what horses don’t nominate because they missed the early nomination.

“(Owners) were happy to pay it but in principle they are revenue raisers … but they’ll never change it, they’ll stick to it.”