Frequently Asked Questions

Fees
The fees are pretty high. Suppose I pay all the entry- and starting fees for my horse and participate in the international Derby of the ‘Lage Landen’ for 3-year-olds. All in all that costs 1.400 Euro.

The fees seem high, but when you compare this to the existing classic races, this is in fact not the case. In addition, the returns are proportionally much higher than you are used to. This is mainly because a very large amount of sponsorship money has been added to the total prize money. Compare the total  entry- and starting fees with the huge prize money of 415,000 euros (of which 150,000 euros are sponsorship money).

By the way, to compare with the Dutch and German derby: the total entry fee for the Dutch derby is already 2,125 euros and for the German derby 3,500 euros. This amount is only valid for one race. The TCT fees apply to a total of 24 races. Note: You always have the choice not to pull out your horse for later races. This in turn saves you money. In addition, participation in the 12 satellite races is free!

When you buy your horse at the Wolvega International Yearling Sale, half of the nomination fee has already been paid!

Race with two year old horses
I’m not a fan of racing with two year olds. However, in order to be able to participate in the TCT races for three- and four year olds, I also have to pay the first entry fees. With this I actually “finance” the races for two year olds, races in which I do not want to participate.

In order to participate in the TCT classics races as a three- or four year olds, you also have to pay all entry fees for two year old horses. However, most of the prize money (more than 75%) is reserved for the races for three- and four year olds. In addition, the 12 satellite races are free!

Not paying attention to all aspects of the sport
These 12 Champions League races are very nice, but this concept is only for the ‘big’ owners and trainers, while the sport  as a whole receives less focus!

We are very pleased that you are comparing the TCT concept with the Champions League. Champions League races are the showpiece of the sport. Compare it to the annual Prijs der Giganten. People come to the racetrack for this kind of races, there is additional media coverage and more betting turnover. This will lead to an increase in the value of horses and hopefully more foals born. More foals mean more races etc …

A good example is women’s football: as the Dutch national team achieved success at the highest level, the attention has been huge and this has resulted in a huge growth of young girls playing football. This gives the sport a mega-impulse.

By the way, the TCT concept does not only consist of ‘big’ races: Most of the races are satellite races (12). Trainers and owners can participate with their horses in these races (free of charge) on their favorite track. The prize money in these races is more than 100% higher than in a normal race. If you win, you will receive a bonus: free participation in the series, eliminations of finals of the respective race. Finals only if you qualify.

Racing in the Netherlands or abroad?
Are the TCT races only held in the Netherlands or also abroad?

The origin of the TCT concept comes from a group of trotting enthousiasts from The Netherlands. A large part of these races will therefore  take place in The Netherlands. The TCT Foundation hopes that some foreign racetracks will participate. Talks are currently underway with some racetracks in Germany and Belgium. However, we are not aiming for a concept like the Breeders Course format with races all over Europe!

Attention to mares?
Are there opportunities for fillies in the TCT program?

Yes absolutely! 2 of 12 classic races are exclusively for fillies: The 3-year-old Filly Derby and the 4-year-old Speedy Volita Filly Cup

In addition, the following is stipulated for the Criterium for Three Year Olds and the Criterium for Four Year olds: If there are more than 12 horses entered in the race, there will be a stallion / gelding and a filly division.

Payment, billing and administration
When do I pay my entry fees and how does the billing / administration proceed?

In 2021, 4 deposits will be due:

1st February    250 euros

1st March         150 euros

1st April            100 euros

1st May             100 euros

The starting fees for the classic races (satellite races have no starting money) will be collected after your horse has been definitively declared. All entry and starting fees are booked including 21% VAT. All amounts mentioned above are exclusive VAT.

The administration of the deposits and invoicing is done for ALL owners via the SNDR (The Dutch Trotting Association).

For the owners who already have a current account at the SNDR: The entry fees, starting fees and prize money will be settled on your existing current account.

For all owners who do not yet have a current account at the SNDR: The SNDR opens automatically a current account for you. You receive a current account statement from SNDR once a month. This specification is sent by email in the 1st week, after the end of each month. All fees and possible prize money are credited to this account. It will be settled around the 21st of each month.

Owners with a Dutch bankaccount can agree on an automatic collection. Foreign owners must transfer the payment themselves to the SNDR around the 21st of each month. If your bank / VAT details are not yet known to SNDR, you will shortly receive a letter from TCT with the request to share this information with us. For future questions about the fees charged, please contact the sports department of the SNDR.

Horses baught at the Wolvega International Yearling Sale
I bought my horse at the Wolvega Yearling Sale in 2020. How do I get my 50% discount for the first payment?

On the current account statement of February, the 1st payment is credited for 50%.

Payment of prizemoney

The payment of the prize money for all races held in the Netherlands is provided by the SNDR. The payment of the prize money for the races in Hamburg and Munich is done via the ZVTRS.

Number of registered horses versus prizemoney
The number of registered horses is more than budgeted, does this also mean that the prize money will increase?

The TCT is a foundation and therefore has no profit motive. All directors work on a 100% voluntary basis. The money goes entirely to the harness sport.

The fact that there are clearly more registrations than budgeted will indeed ensure that more money will flow back to the TCT participants. In the 2021 season, it was decided to program extra series for the DERBY for the 2-year-olds (each series 5,000 euros in prize money), and there will be an extra satellite race in Munich (10,000 euros in prize money). In addition, with more than 12 registrations, multiple divisions will be held in the Class Stake and Gold Cup. The majority of the prize money is reserved for the season for the 3-year-olds (2022) and 4-year-olds (2023).

We can imagine that you have further questions or comments about the TCT. You can always call or email us if you have any questions or comments (contact data are listed on the website).