Horse racing is back to glory days

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Horse racing in Jamaica is embedded in the sporting heritage. Generations of fans, punters, owners, grooms, trainers and jockeys have poured their heart and soul into their beloved sport, and many a memory has been made at Caymanas Park.

After the heady heights of the ‘80s and early ‘90s, racing stakeholders have watched the slow decline of the sport, and not many held out hope for the viability of horse racing. Owners can remember the long delays in getting their purse monies. There have been numerous complaints about the infrastructure and vociferous expressions of discontent with the administration of the sport. The ways in which the park was being operated only highlights the ineptitude of the previous administrators.

That is until Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL) took over operations at Caymanas Park in 2017. They took on the task of creating a viable and sustainable industry. Their approach has not been perfect, and the naysayers have been loud. Make no mistake, having to contend with all the various personalities in the self-interest groups makes the running of this industry quite difficult.

Despite the challenges and inevitable hiccups, SVREL has brought horse racing around the proverbial corner. While the naysayers have been loud, there are many within the ecosystem who are pleased with the work being done by the team at SVREL. The tote is now viable. Daily sales are dwarfing what used to obtain previously. A new millionaire almost every week. Which sensible business person disregards that? Top jockeys from various US tracks come visit and ride and overseas racing announcers come to Jamaica to call the race and to add to a global flavour. There is now a US$250,000 race, the Mouttet Mile. Not many would have imagined Jamaica hosting a race with the richest purse in the Caribbean. Previously, that would have been beyond the bounds of even speculation.

The patty-shop running of the simulcast racing is over and it has now become a major draw under the new SVREL administration. For a fact, other racing jurisdictions all over the world have been eager to know what propels our fantastic advances. Those who support the work being done by SVREL are blinded by no agenda, their support is driven by the passion for their beloved sport.

Of course, there are outstanding issues on the horizon, purse monies, etc, but for improvements, everywhere profits have to be made, and at long last racing is becoming viable. Imported horses equals increased quality and increased equine population. What is there not to be excited about? Congratulations to the SVREL team on what they have achieved for the sport! Anyone who loves the sport can easily laud the improvements.

GREGORY BELL

Race horse owner