Patrick Smellie, president of United Racehorse Trainers’ Association of Jamaica (URTAJ), will not seek re-election.

The announcement was made during the URTAJ’s annual general meeting (AGM), which was held at Caymanas Park on Tuesday, January 23, 2024.

Smellie, in his speech, which was read by first vice-president, said that he is a simple man of complete integrity but I will not tolerate petulant, arrogant people.

“The promoters have been singing ‘milk and honey’ for two years now and we have dreamt with them,” Smellie stated.

“I will be stepping aside and not seek re-election. It is possible that I am the spoke in the wheel and racing will now flourish with my exit. I wish not to be like the Jamaica Football Federation, Table Tennis Jamaica, Lawn Tennis Jamaica, Donald Trump and a host of others,” he further said.

Smellie said that his executive board is requesting a three-month extension to their tenure as to facilitate unfinished business with the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC).

“I have one request, we, Dale Murphy, myself and others, are requesting a three-month extension to our tenure to April 30, 2024.

“This is to facilitate unfinished business at the JRC with the remaining positive cases from 2022 for which we have been successful, a vote is needed today at this AGM to facilitate this as per our constitution.

“Campaign for a new president and executive can start today. The issue at the JRC is expected to be completed by the end of April 2024. We will then set 14 days to elections, which will be Tuesday, May 14. An electoral committee will be advertised for applicants in our
WhatsApp group,” he ended.