The fire no longer burns

I have had a burning passion for thoroughbred racing ever since I accompanied my father to the tracks at Little Marlie in Old Harbour and Knutsford Park in what is now New Kingston.

Over the years, I have had the good fortune to have participated at all levels and I have been richly blessed with the joy and satisfaction that the industry offers to those who have a genuine love for the sport.

The participants today no longer have the same passion as those of yesteryear. Commercialisation and social changes have brought a new dimension to what was once the 'Sport of Kings'. Today, the business of racing is what drives the industry.

Competition for the leisure dollar has driven the industry to areas of innovation that would hitherto have been treated with contempt. A wide range of activities now supplement the increasing costs of the modern-day thoroughbred industry.

Facilities that promote thoroughbred racing now provide added attractions to encourage broader participation. Restaurants, concerts with top-class performers, slot machines and other gaming attractions, card rooms, you name it, the modern promoter is always on the move to attract new customers.

Unfortunately, our industry is close to extinction and that roaring fire of enthusiasm is now just a few smoldering embers that need stoking every now and then. I no longer find pleasure in attending races at Caymanas Park.

Apart from the uncomfortable surroundings, what is a national disgrace is the wholesale robbery of the customers whose support is essential for the success of the business.

The levels of take show a total disregard for the value of those investors who pay the bills. Win dividends of $50 and $60 are now the norm on your investment of $40.

It is beyond me why people continue to invest with this rapacious return.

Decreasing sales

It is not surprising that sales are decreasing and closure of the business is inevitable.

Every year, I make it an essential move to recharge my batteries and rekindle those smoldering embers of passion for the once noble sport of kings. Each summer, I pack my bags and head to the 'mecca' of thoroughbred racing. The Saratoga race meet is still the epitome of top-class racing. Here, customers are valued and every effort is made to ensure their comfort and satisfaction. Owners with horses running have a special area to sit in with all the comforts of food and drinks. Trainers show the greatest respect for owners, discussing what race the horse is being programmed for and general conditions for workouts, etc.

This, for me, is a time for reflection and meditation, a time to fantasise on what things could be, if only ... .

Each year brings a new experience. The trainers championship was over before the meet even started - Tod Pletcher just had too many top-class horses to be challenged. The young trainers made their mark, however. Of note was Chad Brown and Rudy Rodriques, who both made an impact with their small band of horses.

The Jockeys' championship went right down the the wire with Javier Castellano presenting a serious challenge to John Velasques, who is stable jockey for Tod Pletcher and hence at strong advantage. This did not faze Castellano, who carried the fight with grit and determination. His victory in the Travers on Afleet Express was the result of pure determination and a strong desire to win.

My heart went out to the young apprentice, Jose Lescano, who was all over a winner on Fly Down until the photo finish camera had him second by the shortest of noses. In the final day, it was Velasques who prevailed by three.

It was good to see young Rajiv Maragh holding his own. Although not in contention for the championship, he finished in the top five.

Only one two-year-old really impressed - Karathos and he has gone lame. Rachel Alexander was a shadow of last year's form and tired coming up the straight when being beaten in the Personal Ensign.

Good meet

Quality Road and Blame seem headed for a showdown in the Breeders Cup Classic. Of interest is the fact that the sire of Blame, Arch is full brother to Alisios, who stands for stud service at Ham Stables.

Well, this was another good meet and the weather was perfect - a bit hot on some days but rain was never really a factor and we had more grass races than ever before.

Well, it is now back to the real world. One of the first things that greeted me was the discussions at the PAAC on September 8 on the divestment of Caymanas Track Ltd.

The only comment I will make is that I have been hearing this song ever since the Government acquired the assets of Caymanas Track Ltd in 1983. What was said at the time of acquisition is that this was necessary to get proper investment and to provide the adequate capital to sustain the business. Well, 20-plus years later the company is virtually bankrupt and there is no structured plan to facilitate the investment of the capital needed to sustain the racing industry.

I am satisfied that no one really cares and this comes from a total misunderstanding of the value of the industry. We need a strong lobby group that can change the mindset that exists.

The latest input of interest is that the owning and training of horses is a hobby and neither expenses nor income can be dealt with for income tax purposes. It is held that the training and racing of horses was not a business conducted on commercial principles and that the profits from the venture would not be liable to income tax and, conversely, the losses sustained could not be set off against taxable income obtained from other sources.

This has rekindled those flames again so we will be seeking clarification since this interpretation has wide-ranging consequences for all participants in this 'hobby'.

More on this next week.

Howard Hamilton is the former chairman of Caymanas Track Limited and is currently the president of the Jamaica Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association. He may be contacted at email: howham @cwjamaica.com.