Suggestions that could save the racing industry
THE 1,000 and 2,000 Guineas races have returned to what it was missing for a long time. The events were well promoted, the programmes were attractive and there was a combined effort by all concerned to revitalise this ailing endeavour.
This might be all well and good but it does not remove the rot growing underneath. At a meeting last week involving stakeholders and the promoting company Caymanas Track Limited discussions were centred on the upcoming 4.8 across the board decrease in purse money and a decrease in the incentive paid to breeders.
Indeed these are trying times for racing. This writer will not dwell on the problems but instead will try to seek solutions with input from all the stakeholders.
GOVERNMENT
Horse racing is a very low priority for the government. The government can help by quickly completing the process of divesting ownership of the racetrack to private interests. Government can also assist by immediately removing the tax placed on imported horses. The decision taken by Government in 2010 to allow bookmakers to sell bets after the start of local racing must be reversed immediately.
CAYMANAS TRACK LIMITED
All attempts have to be made to increase the number of starters on the racing programmes.
The cost of the exotic wagers Pick-9, Pick-6 and others should be increased from $5 to $10 with a corresponding increase in the minimum payouts. If the latter proves to be a problem then offer a special raised payout for eight of nine and five of six.
CTL has to keep the stable area clean; maybe it is time to have one stable area instead of two, use less of the 198 acres.
The promotions at the track have improved since the new management, they need to build on this and get more of corporate Jamaica in the racing mix.
THE TRAINERS
The trainers have to get their horses on the track; this is how they earn and this is how CTL can exist as the promoting entity. The more horses that run, the better the turnover and the better it is for CTL.
There are approximately 190 listed trainers of which about 41 have not renewed their licence although being given extra time to do so. By not renewing, their horses are not allowed to start, thereby piling the pressure on CTL.
THE BOOKIES
The enigma of horse racing as true bookmaking does not exist in Jamaica. Bookmakers rely on the CTL odds, for which a fee is paid, and a substantial part of their livelihood, local racing, is solely dependent on CTL and the stakeholders. The bookmakers often counter by saying they pay abnormal taxes, that is true but so does every business entity in this country. A change of perspective is necessary. What about voluntary deciding not to accept bets after the local programme begins, instead using the majority of their betting shops as CTL outlets for a higher percentage and linking directly to the CTL tote? Other bets usually called paper bets will be accepted as per usual without any connection to the tote.
THE JOCKEYS
An essential part of racing yet their input is the least. It should be seriously considered to cut their percentage from 10 to eight per cent. Eight per cent of something is always better that 10 per cent of nothing.
More anon!