By the time this article is printed we will know whether racing will take place on Saturday May 4.

The professionals in the industry have banded together to oppose the 4.8 per cent cut in purses and the cut in breeders’ bonus, albeit for a limited period of one year. At a meeting on Monday last, the stakeholders threatened to withdraw their nominations until the matter is resolved. Another meeting involving Caymanas Track Limited (CTL) was scheduled for yesterday when, hopefully, a working resolution will be had for racing to continue.

The trainers, the jockeys, the owners, the breeders, the grooms and the farriers, to their credit, did put forward a number of proposals which they claim can return the company to viability without impinging on the present purse structure. They listed the removal of Joe Matalon, chairman of CTL; the collection of outstanding mony owed by the operators of Off Track Betting parlours, the rationalisation of the employment structure at CTL, the introduction of Sunday race programmes, an audit of the CTL finances over the last 10 years and the cessation of bookmaking entities being allowed to operate during the conduct of local races, among other proposals crucial to the survival of horse racing in Jamaica — and necessary in order to maintain purses at its present level.

While most of these proposals make some sense, the one which calls for the removal of Matalon makes none at all. Matalon is the appointed chairman of the company undertaking the mandate of government.

The counter argument that Edwards and Bunny Vincent, the spokesman for the United Racehorse Trainers’ Association (URTA), have not won a race in ages and therefore have nothing to collect is also a non-argument. This kind of talk detracts from the substantive issues which must be addressed with haste.

CTL, however, does have some questions to answer. If off-track operators owe money, as claimed by the professionals, they have to come out and say so. What is the actual figure owed, if any? What is being done to recoup the money if owed? These are answers which the public should know.

The running of races on Sundays is a natural development, given the fact that the government has already ruled that Cash Pot can be sold on Sundays. It is a progression which must take place for horse racing, as already a number of betting shops are opened on Sundays selling Cash Pot. It has already been proved that Sunday racing is a lucrative endeavour based on the few Sunday programmes run in the past. Without the benefit of OTBs being opened, handles have been very high, although overall losses were experienced.

There is nothing wrong with doing an evaluation of the corporate structure and operations of CTL. No one can disagree with that, but any evaluation is going to be a long term process as people’s jobs might be at stake here and due care is the only appropriate modus. There is usually a heavy cost associated with any such audit, which CTL might find difficult paying at this time.

The non-payment of breeders’ bonus for one year is temporary and should be seen as such. Many argue that the breeding industry is the cradle of racing, where it all begins. That is true and as such should be protected, but to what degree? All businesses in Jamaica are experiencing difficulties and have lost virtually all financial and other support from government. Most are paying quite a price just to exist at the moment. Breeders have to understand that if cutting their bonus — emphasis on bonus — for one year assists the industry to survive, then it is but a small price to pay at this time.

Ever since a former minister of finance granted the bookmakers the right to take bets during local races, the industry has plunged further and further into decline. Talk around the shop is that the premier bookies, Track Price Plus, Markham and Champion have met on this matter and is close to announcing the discontinuation of taking bets during local race cards and may even allow some of their shops to become betting parlours on behalf of CTL.

Amalgamation to Post to Post and all, the booking industry in Jamaica cannot effectively exist without local racing; therefore, this move by them must first be seen as a strategic business decision aimed at saving themselves with probably the added bonus of a reduction in rights fee. It must be done, and done quickly.

Whatever it takes, racing must be saved. We have reached a crucial juncture where any personal feelings have to be placed on the scrap heap, and discussion becomes the order of the day. Any discussion must be tempered with compromise.

More anon!