Howard Hamilton - Horse Sense LAST WEEK I gave a brief history of the evolution in the ownership and management of the promotion of racing since moving from Knutsford Park to the Caymanas Track in 1963. It is not surprising that my favourite Cambridge University-educated publicist did not find favour with my analysis.
He, predictably, wrote that there were a number of inaccuracies. I would have thought that he would have corrected these inaccuracies instead of recommending that I seek "... a session with the other dinosaur." I find it difficult to relate to someone who was never a member of any of the boards of any of the promoting companies, yet has a room full of confidential board minutes and private internal memos. Nor can I relate to someone who persists in spreading false hope and expectations to the uninformed by repeating that the track is owned by jockeys, trainers, grooms et al.
I notice that he leaves out the Jockey Club and the breeders, who have as much 'claim' to this inaccuracy. I vowed at the beginning of the year not to engage in 'cass cass' but to try and be as objective as possible as we all seek to find the successful formula for moving racing forward.
My favourite publicist also takes objection to my reference to the motivational quotation "...to lead a symphony you must occasionally turn your back on the crowd." Again I am not surprised since a symphony epitomises culture, beauty, and strength of character. All those features of excellence, which those who grovel in mediocrity find it difficult to either understand or appreciate. One could describe a symphony as the difference between Viento and A King Is Born.
One final note to my publicist, while luck has an important role in racing, let me remind you, my friend, that you cannot win the lottery unless you buy a ticket.
There is no substitute for good management and good investment. I suggest that he swallows his misplaced pride and take advice from the best horseman in the West Indies he has been the reason for any success that I might appear to have. I hope that both A King Is Born and Distinctly Irish will continue to provide pleasure and excitement to the racing public. I also hope that my partner and trainer will continue his hard work, visiting breeding farms, and making selections which are trained to be champions year in and year out. No wonder he has more classic winners than any other trainer in the world. That is management and skill my friend, not luck.
Divestment is now all the talk in racing and as I think about the future of racing I am reminded of that song made famous in the 1970s by the Swedish group ABBA:
'I had a dream, a song to sing
To help me cope with anything
If you see the wonder of a fairy tale
You can take the future even if you fail
I believe in angels
Something good in everything
I believe in angels
When I know the time is right for me
I cross the street, I have a dream
I have a dream a fantasy
To help me through reality
And my destination makes it worth the while
Pushing through the darkness still another mile.
I believe in angels
Something good in everything I see
I believe in angels.'
It is because of my belief in angels and the dream that I have for a modern gaming and entertainment complex that I have taken so much interest in the divestment of Caymanas Park. I strongly believe that the only way forward for racing, no matter what decisions are taken on this issue of divestment, is to secure increased revenue. Let us examine where that increased revenue can come from. The core activity has to be an improved racing product. I will highlight the areas that the group proposing a new beginning with a new racing plant are putting together based on their international experience.
RACING
Improved programming with more handicap races.
Expand the off-track facilities with greater credit control.
Integrate the bookmaking industry with maximum contribution for property rights.
Re-introduce the racing pool with wider distribution.
Encourage greater participation of sponsors.
Build a turf track and introduce steeplechase racing with amateur riders.
Promote night racing.
GAMING
Introduce slot machines and video lottery terminals.
Introduce card rooms and host international world poker games.
Distribute lottery products with greater levels of co-operation.
ENTERTAINMENT
Promote concerts, festivals and trade shows.
Rent facilities for major events
Promote boxing matches
Promote corporate functions.
FOOD COURT
Concessions for all major food handlers
Promote banquets and general dining facilities.
Introduce mobile carts (hot dogs, soup, snacks etc.)
CHILDREN'S PLAY AREA
Swings, slides, merry-go-rounds, horseback riding.
INFIELD
Establish polo field
Establish tunnel to the infield
Greater use of infield, e.g., circus, community activity, etc.
These are all proposed areas of activity, which can bring additional revenue to the operators of this new gaming and entertainment complex.
I have a dream and I believe in angels, something good in everything I see. When the time is right, I cross the street I have a dream.
Howard L. Hamilton is a former chairman of Caymanas Track Ltd. and is current president of the Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders Association. E-mail howham@cwjamaica.com.
