Feanny By Cliff Williams,
Contributor
THERE can be little doubt that this year the racing industry can lay claim to being a success story in the economic landscape of the country, the gains made have been significant and a foundation has been laid for future development.
The changes in personnel at the regulatory and promotion organisations have served to demonstrate the depth of management skills available to take the industry forward. The most revolutionary of the personnel changes was the appointment of Ms. Rose Campbell to head Caymanas Track Ltd. (CTL).
Whilst there was general acceptance for the appointment of new boards at the Betting Gaming and Lotteries Commission (BG&L) and the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC), Ms. Campbell found the Jamaica Racehorse Trainers Association (JRTA) to be a serious detractor. On the other hand the elite trainers organisation Lobby Group Ltd. endorsed the appointment wholeheartedly, and has no problems with her capability to manage affairs, diametrically opposing the JRTA's view that her inexperience in racing matters would be a hindrance in her job functions. However there is no evidence of that six months after her appointment.
As far as I can determine the BG&L and the JRC are firmly in control of the monitoring of the gaming industry and continue to do an excellent job in protecting its integrity. Certainly one cannot think of an area where there has been any serious neglect of functions. However, I must mention here that the bookmakers think that the establishment of new betting officers is too involved and lengthy a process which the BG&L needs to address.
In 2000 the promoting company has continued to improve its presentation of competitive racing which has led to increased business for CTL as well as the bookmaking industry. The fact of the matter is that the volume of wagering increases when winner finding becomes a real challenge for the bettors. The racing office has performed exceptionally in the area of the preparation of programmes and the dissemination of information, and the marketing department has been making an impact in the area of sponsorship.
With reference to the racing itself, the thoroughbreds naturally made the usual impression but had to share the headlines with the politics of the industry. This year Philip Feanny, the most outstanding trainer, in the very long history of Caribbean racing posted his fourth Triple Crown winner in the Joseph Duany owned I'msatisfied. Feanny's career itself, which is littered with record breaking feats continues to be a sensation. For his performance this column unhesitatingly makes him racing personality of the year.
Richard Azan's Menudo, winner of four Grade I races this year cannot be seriously opposed for horse-of-the-year honours despite I'msatisfied's triple crown success. The island is still in desperate need of a really competitive top class as the year closes and one hopes that a combination of quality imports and the development of the three-year-olds the situation will improve.
The quantum of two-year-olds in the system has improved dramatically this year but in terms of class only Philip Feanny's Jamaica 2-y-o Stakes winner Millimetre seems outstanding. Racing produced the thrills throughout 2000 and this column congratulates all who contributed. From this column it's a wish for a prosperous new year to all.
