Howard Hamilton - HORSE SENSE
This column has been absent for many months. In fact, the writer had resolved to remain silent since years of previous exhortations had failed to make an impact on the need for urgent restructuring of the racing industry.
Decay has continued and another crisis looms on the horizon. There were high expectations that, with the change of government and the presence now of knowledgeable racing stakeholders in the seats of power, needed changes would only be a matter of time.
I wrote then: "Racing interests do not want much more than to see the industry recognised for the tremendous potential which remains untapped. The sport of horse racing despite its solid contribution to the social and economic fabric of this country, still remains a little heralded industry. It is noteworthy that the prime minister in his recent reception honouring sportsmen and sporting organisations failed to recognise the contribution made by the members of the racing fraternity who continue to fly the Jamaican flag both here and abroad.
"It is only recently we were even considered as being worthy of being offered a national honour. But, not withstanding all of this, we will soldier on in the hope that one day our efforts will at last bear fruit.
"A new board has now been appointed to guide the affairs of the Government owned company, Caymanas Track Ltd and, as usual, expectations are high. The new chairman, Hon Pat Rousseau, OJ, has been involved in the industry for many years. At one time he guided the affairs of the Thoroughbred Owners' and Breeders' Association when he was a major contributor to the breeding industry. He remains an active owner and has very strong views on the direction that racing should be headed. We wish the chairman and his new board well and the associations of horsemen stand ready to contribute in the effort to move this industry into the 21st century and beyond."
That was written one year ago and it is, therefore, more than frustrating to see that we are still no where nearer to the restructuring so urgently needed for the development of our industry.
The divestment from government controls and the resultant bureaucracy remains a major impediment. Note the recent problems with the National Contracts Commission.
The onerous and inequitable tax structure seems forgotten in the general mass of fiscal burdens. The promoting company seems unable to meet the needs of the participants.
The latest news seems to reflect the impatience of the participants as they face ever-increasing costs in their efforts to maintain the racing product. The recent offer in purse adjustment is totally inadequate and it is this which seems to have brought matters to an impasse.
Bold decisions
There can be no satisfactory solutions unless there are bold decisions taken with an acceptable timetable for implementation.
I, therefore, congratulate the board on the decision to strengthen the management of the company. I see the appointment of someone with the level of experience of Randall Soth as positive move in trying to address the problems of the racing industry.
Randall Soth brings more than 32 years of knowledge in racetrack management to Caymanas Track Ltd.
He was vice-president and general manager of Calder Race Course. He also held management positions in Retama Park in San Antonio, Sam Houston Park in Houston, and at Monmouth Park, Atlantic City Race Track, Garden State Park and the Meadowlands, all in New Jersey.
His most recent position was that of president and general manager of Fair Grounds Race Course in Louisiana, a member of the Churchill Downs Inc Racing Empire.
Taking the helm at one of the country's oldest racetracks had a unique set of challenges, especially in New Orleans, where cultural heritage is king and traditions the rule - not much different to the challenges he is going to faced with at Caymanas!
He led that historic venue into the next generation of gaming with onsite slot machines. At the time, one of the biggest challenges was finding ways to grow the industry in a market saturated with alternative gaming opportunities.
At the time of his recent departure, he had accomplished his mission of bringing Fair Grounds back to national prominence. The emphasis had now shifted to the more profitable slot machine operations with the requirement for a different level of expertise. His professional experience has exposed him to every aspect of racetrack and simulcast operations. He has demonstrated his ability to be a thoughtful, well-rounded, and decisive leader.
His vast experience and hands-on management style makes him the ideal choice to chart the new course at Caymanas Park.
Let us all give him the support and cooperation which is going to be needed as we try to move forward.
Howard L. Hamilton, CD, JP, is a former chairman of Caymanas Track Limited. He is the current president of Thoroughbred Owners' and Breeders' Association. He can be contacted at howham@cwjamaica.
