A strategic review of the Racing Industry was recently (February 11th) held. This was
organized by the promoting company, Caymanas Track Ltd. All stake holders participated. Notably absent were the Bookmakers who are an integral part of the industry but somehow seemed to be excluded from these sorts of discussions. The presentations were informative especially that from the Racing Commission.

It was pointed out that the problems facing the industry centered on public image and support. The facilities were inadequate and there was no unity in the participants. Security and hence the integrity of the industry was seriously threatened. These were all issues that have been ventilated over and over again. What the participants failed to address was the ownership structure and how this was going to be made attractive for the sizable investment which is necessary if the industry is to be saved. The shareholders have once again voiced their intention to divest themselves from the ownership of an operation which they had no business owning in the first place.

If the Government is serious about this latest announcement of their intention to divest themselves of this “albatross” then a divestment committee should be immediately appointed. There are a number of knowledgeable people who would be willing to take on that task at nowhere near the costs that are being bandied about for the divestment of some of the government’s assets. There should be clear terms of reference and achievable time guide lines. Let us now “walk the walk” after having “talked the talk” for so long.

Racing has been popular from the very early days when the English settlers introduced the thoroughbred to the island. The story is told that racing was so popular then that the Governor dissolved the House of Assembly because one of its members protested against the speaker’s refusal to grant him permission to attend a race meeting. The legend of racing in Jamaica is as fascinating as any in the world. We have developed an enviable reputation for producing top flight bloodstock. We continue to export a fair number of horses annually to the Caribbean. We boast of having had the largest thoroughbred breeding establishment in the world. The farm at Pepper in St. Elizabeth produced top quality horses- classic winners for our colonial masters of the 18th and 19th century.

This history and tradition is one of which we should all be proud. It is a heritage which we should treasure and preserve – why then this apathy? Why this failure to appreciate the urgent need to halt the slide and redirect this sport along the path that will make us proud to be participants?

Racing in every country is part of the entertainment industry. If properly organized and funded it provides a premier advertising opportunity, capitalizing on its history and entertainment value. But, while elsewhere the emphasis is on increasing the attractiveness of the sport, here it is treated like a pariah.

People no longer flock to racing. Even the diehards are now questioning the value of the return on their investments on each bet placed.
-They now question, what appears to be a breakdown in the integrity of the sport.
-They now question the poor quality of services and accommodation.
-They now question the inadequacy of security and the “slums” which parade themselves as stables.

Once again another voice pointed out that all over the world the emphasis is on comfort, attractiveness, a good working environment, competitive racing, and adequate security. These cannot be achieved with current disproportionate taxation of the industry. Nor can it be achieved with current levels of return to the punter.

Government now owns the industry more by default than design. Over the years – going back to the 1960’s when Caymanas track was built and the industry moved from Knutsford Park in New Kingston there was a problem with the level of taxation. From these early times it was obvious that taxation was disproportionate and the inability of the industry to pay lead to an accumulation of debt over the years.

This debt prompted the government in the 80’s to seize the assets. Having done this, there was no plan for a restructuring and things have moved from bad to worse.
We have failed to inform the current owners, Members of Parliament and Civil Servant of the need for a sound racing industry. It continues to be regarded as a milch cow.  Let me exhort once again, Breeders, Owners, Trainers and Jockeys, all the stakeholders to unite in a common cause for the restructuring of this important industry. Let us be properly represented on the suggested divestment committee and let us not waste anymore time talking, talking and talking. Let us create the climate which encourages the sort of investment that can place racing as an integral part of our tourist industry and fulfill the potential that is there for the solving of so much of our social and economic problems.