Could indeed. If reading correctly John Frank , 2 and 1/2 percent I would hazzard refers to 2 and 1/2 percent of Rene's winnings. He gets 5 percent trainer winnings of each purse the barn gets. So the amount isn't set until the period ends. Likely slightly more than your generous $2 bills (I've given nada so your doing better than me) to the bell Santa's.
Not sure if this refers to just 2 1/2 percent of his winnings at this track or all tracks. I imagine all tracks.
Not a big fan of this barn but still think this is generous. Simon would need to be a little psychotic to do this intentionally - he could have turned out to be the driver with the beat up body. I didn't watch the race though.