Running horse in trainers name...

Question
Hello Mr. Hess,
Just wanted another professional opinion on my concern. While I am working on obtaining my trainers license this year, my friend who is a trainer offered to saddle my horse for me when we ship him in to run. The ONLY thing that concerns me, is that he wants me to put my horse in his name - he would be listed as the 'owner' for all purposes in the racing office. Of course before we undertake this we're going to have something in writing. After all, we ARE friends and I want it to stay that way. I appreciate his help, but after thinking about it, we were just unsure why the horse had to RUN in his name instead of mine. He'll have no $$$$ invested in him, as I'm paying him for his time and I'm also footing all the bills on the horse.
Does this sound like something I should be concerned about?
THANKS for your help!
J.

Answer
hi-- i have been training horses for over 30 years and a partner in not what you should be involved in.it will break up a PARTNERSHIP and friendship for sure. if you want the horse to run in your name, then you have to take out a owners license. that makes you sole owner in that horse, and  all monies won by that horse will go into your owners account.  then when you get your trainers license you can add the owner/trainers license.  this is my own opinion , so take it for what it is worth.  thanks ED HESS