Howard Hamilton

Before we continue our series on the evolution of the racing industry , it is timely that we make mention of some of the more positive and memorable moments.

Sponsors remain a valuable contributor to the success of any marketing programme. The Jamaica Derby Day on Saturday June 2nd was one of the most memorable days of racing ever. Not only did this day break all records of turnover for the promoters but the fans who attended were treated to top-class entertainment during and after racing.

No praise can be too high for the Digicel Corporation and their efficient marketing team headed by the innovative and enthusiastic Harry Smith, a former protege of mine at the Shell Co. ( WI ) Ltd.

The atmosphere and sheer majesty of the activities on the inner field will long be remembered as a contributor to one of the best race days ever.

The thoughtfulness in providing special invitations to ALL the leaders of the various horsemen associations showed their commitment to the wholistic demands of their sponsorship policy. On their behalf I say :A BIG THANK YOU and CONGRATULATIONS DIGICEL The stakeholders in racing look forward to your continued and expanded contribution to this once noble sport."

Last week, we were at the stage where the Government were not willing to make levy scheme money - derived from the activity of off-track 'bookmakers' who controlled 70 per cent of the turnover generated by the activities of the promoters - available to a privately owned for profit organization with shareholders that expected to be paid dividends.

Racing was faced with uncertainties as to its future and a group headed by the late Jack Ashenheim and including all the Horsemen's Associations were encouraged to form Racing Promotions Ltd. complemented by the management group, Track Services Ltd.

It was at this point that we left you last week. RPL leased the plant from Caymanas Park Ltd. and took over most of the staff as well as the substantial debt owed to Citibank who held a mortgage on the property.

The events leading up to the insolvency of Caymanas Park Ltd are many: dwindling number of owners, especially those who could afford to import top class racers to fill 'A' and 'B' class races; the expense of maintaining the track and facilities which catered to crowds in excess of 3,000 every race day and, most important of all, their inability to benefit from the massive growth generated by the expanding islandwide growth of the off-course operators.

More money needed

Notwithstanding all this, racing maintained its popularity and one writer at the time had this to say: "The overall economic state of the industry does not appear to matter much to the average punter. The suspicion arises that as long as there are races to attend - even, perish the thought, of fleet-footed mules - the man in the street will be there with bells on. However ardent his support - indeed, by the very nature of his day to day involvement - your average turfite's objectives are strangely and selfishly limited."

Writing in the Racing Year of 1975, the late Jack Ashenheim had this to say "The most important single question which remains to be answered is that of a tote monopoly. Racing will not prosper, expand or improve without more money. More money is needed for purses; salaries and wages; for new and improved facilities for owners, trainers, jockeys and grooms. Money is also needed for improvement to the racing plant and a good properly drained racing strip which will provide the horses with a safe surface to race on. The money can only come in sufficient quantity for these improvements from a tote monopoly.

"Contingent on this is the building of a new properly equipped racing plant. The present stand at Caymanas Park has become totally inadequate and unsuitable. The stable area is a disgrace to the industry. It is a near physical impossibility to remedy these and other matters without a lengthy break in racing which would so disastrously damage the finances of the industry that it may well die and result in grave hardships for the many thousands who depend on it for a living. For this reason, a new plant should be built so that racing could continue at its present location and simply move over to the new plant on completion without a break."

That was in 1975, Thirty two years later, nothing has changed.

We have always been advocating that a lower takeout will mean higher returns to the promoting company. The takeout, the highest in the world at 30 per cent, has been reduced to 25 per cent recently and this is still the highest in the world for win and place betting.

The turnover for the month of May, 2007 was $192 million compared with $161 million for May, 2006. If only we had people who knew about racing. To be continued.