HORSE-RACING is an endeavour which requires the coming together of its stakeholders to flourish and provide that critical environment for long-term employment and development. Naturally meshed in this concept of cooperation is the desire to generate income and by extension profits.

Racing has long suffered for an acute void of teamwork, rendering the activity almost incapable of solving its many woes, trials and tribulations. Now racing finds itself in what can only be described as a quagmire of impending doom.

As someone who cherishes racing and what it has to offer, this writer is particularly concerned about the dogmatic positions of the racing entities — two trainers’ associations, with both lacking the vision to embrace change over the years; a promoting company seemingly ineffective in its management of the sport, and the government’s lack of understanding and action in assisting not by providing bailout funds, but also by not giving the policy direction necessary to engender stability and growth.

So what do we have now? Payout of purses seven weeks in abeyance; a dilapidated complex badly in need of upgrading and retrofitting; a noticeable decline in yearlings offered for sale; a decline in betting; a decline in the number of off-track stations; a squabbling bunch of horsemen and a woeful lack of promotions.

Racing entities would be advised to quickly realise that racing is no longer the premier gaming opportunity open to Jamaicans. The Lotto, Cash Pot, and the noticeable growth in gaming lounges with slot machines and other games of chance have all surpassed racing, thereby seriously eroding the former standing of the reputed Sport of Kings.

In the pecking order of monies flowing into the consolidated fund, racing now falls far behind the already listed gaming opportunities. It is as if racing has become the ‘patoo’ of the gaming industry, constantly requiring injections of cash and guided by captains without any seafaring knowledge.

Given this new playing field with racing sitting on the substitute’s bench, it behooves the stakeholders to be less attritional in their dispensation and more compromising in their approach.

Changes in the modern technological world of the global village are inevitable and of necessity, have to be embraced. To achieve change is not an easy task. It might lead to the inevitable clashes of will and the cult of the personality.

If the dominant concept is to hold steadfast to existing views, norms and practices, racing will suffer and will streak closer and closer to its demise.

The megalomania of the past, in the interest of racing, must be replaced by a more approachable tone aimed at resolution and not confrontation. This is not easy, given the amount of venom already spewed, but the process has to start now. There is no time left for dithering as racing is suffering.

Racing cannot be allowed to die because of personalities and their preferred ways. There is simply too much to lose. So shed the trappings of mistrust, ‘bangarang’, name calling and ineptitude by beginning the process of change.

This process will not be stress-free or tranquil. Indeed, it will be fraught with scepticism, caution and misgivings — all part of effective dialogue and negotiations.

Let’s move to save racing by removing the cloak and dagger. Let’s talk; we have too much to lose.