That's the way most bigger stables do it, it helps to keep the help all year. If they leave early no cash. Owners can tip all they want at race time. I never had a problem the grooms know the deal. I never stiffed a groom or 2nd trainers, I had long term employees. Successful stables don't really have a problem with employee turnover. I hope there is more to the story, has anyone on here had a conversation with one of her grooms