Howard Hamilton

I am always fascinated by the stories that can be told about the "glorious days" of racing. Knowing where we are coming from is so important if we wish to chart a successful course for the way forward.

The recent re-dedication of the Jamaica Racing Hall of Fame brought back some of those nostalgic moments. The stalwarts of racing then have not been replaced and today we have not been able to attract to the industry those with the dedication and vision to "grasp this sorry scheme of things entire, shatter it to bits, and then remold it closer to the heart's desire".

It is good to learn that the Racing Commission will be collaborating with others to produce a comprehensive book, which will highlight the history of racing in Jamaica. This promises to be a comprehensive study and Horse Sense is pleased to be associated with its production. Let me take this opportunity to appeal to all those who may have any publications that may be useful in ensuring the accuracy and interest of our efforts. Interesting anecdotes and photographs would be of tremendous assistance.

I had the opportunity last week of spending the day with the Brownes at their YS farm in St. Elizabeth. What a fascinating time it turned out to be!

My only regret is that I was only there for the day. Tony and his charming wife, Judy, along with their son Simon and his wife, Dawn, were the perfect hosts. After a tour of the farm and a scrumptuous lunch I spent the rest of the afternoon with Tony and Judy browsing through the old racing material which they have so well preserved in their library.

Stud farm

The operation of the stud farm did not start until 1955 and became just a small part of a much larger cattle farm. They are justly proud of consistently promoting locally bred stallions the first of which was HEIR APPARENT who was champion sire for many years. While singing the praises of native bred sires such as REPRIEVE, SEE SAW, PRINCE CONSORT, JACK HORNER and others, the contribution of the progeny of their imported stallion EXOTIC TRAVELLER remains this farm's greatest contribution to the legacy of racing. A history of our stud farms will make interesting reading and Horse Sense will try to do a series on that aspect of our fascinating history.

The opening of Caymanas Park in 1959 was hailed by all as one of the most beautiful race courses in the world. The souvenir programme commemorating its opening carried messages of congratulations and wishes for success from every important person, including the Prime Minister and the Governor-General. They all recognised the value of thoroughbred racing and hailed this major milestone in its development.

Former Prime Minister Norman Manley had this to say: "I believe racing has a great future before it in this new centre. I congratulate those of you who have had the courage and energy to start it and I wish them well."

Then Governor-General Sir Kenneth Blackburne stated that the existence of this fine racecourse will stimulate still further the great sport of racing, which gives so much pleasure to so many people and which helps Jamaica in so many different ways.

Words to remember

The words of the then Custos of St. Catherine are worth remembering: "How many of us here today have memories of our early introduction to racing at Knutsford Park with its atmosphere of "going to town", reunion of friends, greeting trainers, jockeys and grooms, everyone full of fun and amusement. Races won and lost with good humour and excited rivalry, conviviality abounding - with all the horses predominant, pedigree and progeny the topic of the day, bets taken and lost with light-hearted enjoyment. Champions of the Turf the only importance.

With such nostalgic thoughts we enter the new era of Racing in sterner days, which we today usher in at Caymanas Park with our complimentary commendation of the Directorate upon their remarkable and admirable enterprise - a truly great and grand accomplishment. Foresight, patriotism, and courage, are displayed in its vast and comfortable arrangements in so very lovely a setting.

Here, as in England, the early days of racing are always recalled as " the good old days", when racing prospered as sport and superiority of bloodstock; but racing will always be racing and a horse, highly bred, beautifully trained, will forever be the most pleasing sight to be seen. Promotion of interest, maintained by a standard of pedigree and performance will ensure success and happy days at Caymanas Park" More on this in future columns.