Howard Hamilton - HORSE SENSE LAST WEEK we looked at some suggestions for the establishment of a number of revenue-producing areas which a restructured racing plant could consider as we establish a "new beginning" for racing. The importance is that the cost of a renovated or new plant cannot be sustained by racing alone and every effort must be made to maximise revenue.Another area which needs urgent attention is the quality of our racing fans and the respect which must be shown to our national symbols. It is heartrending to observe the behaviour of our people during the playing of our National Anthem. If there is no pride in our National symbols how can we have pride in self and a love for country. Are our schools doing enough to inculcate this sense of pride at a very early age in our children?
PAY RESPECT
When you visit CALDER race track the many Jamaicans present there stand to attention and pay respect to the American National Anthem when this is played to open the racing programme. Why can't we do the same here at home in Jamaica? Security guards are in attendance at Calder to see that all conform. Our security guards at Caymanas Park seem to be there to watch races. No attempt is made to ensure that patrons don't stand on the seats/benches, nor are they prompted to show respect by standing quietly when the National Anthem is being played. It is this return to some modicum of dignity which I dream of in the new beginning for racing and our society in general.
We can make a start in the Racing Industry through training of the participants - not only to be professionals but also to be gentlemen who will be respected and accepted into the racing community.
The West Indies Thoroughbred Racing Association (WITRA) is currently doing a study directed at establishing a Racing Academy to service the West Indies. We are seeking the guidance and support of the Racing Academy & Centre of Education in Ireland and also the South African Jockeys' Academy run by the National Horse Association (formerly the Jockey Club) of South Africa.
I had the opportunity of visiting both institutions some years ago and they are anxious to assist us in the development of an Academy here in Jamaica. Our jockeys have had tremendous success overseas and have been a source of inspiration to their "brothers" at home. Those that come to mind are Emile Ramsammy from Trinidad, Patrick Husbands of Barbados and the legendary George HoSang of Jamaica. We have the opportunity to enhance the career options of our youngsters and in so doing also improve the quality of our own product here at home.
The South African experience is particularly interesting since their programme provides an exciting and financially rewarding career for the professional Jockey and, by extension, the professional horseman - groom exercise rider, trainer etc.
A five-year apprentice programme is served at the Academy which is residential and accepts both boys and girls. Recruits are between the age of 14 and 17 with approximate weight of 32 to 42 kg. The is a probationary year. The ability of each student is carefully assessed to see whether the individual has the talent, character, and motivation to make a successful jockey.
It is a period of intensive riding intuition. Most take to riding with ease, however, some do not have the required co-ordination and natural ability and are not allowed to continue in the programme. Basic training lasts six months after which the apprentice is ready to "ride work" at the training track. Apprentices are ready to race after about eighteen (18) months.
ACADEMIC EDUCATION
Academic education is important - in fact at the time when I visited the manager in charge was a former High School Headmaster. The students write a senior certificate examination at the end of their third year. The academy is sponsored by the National Horse Association (formerly the Jockey Club) but students contribute to the cost of training. They are given a loan repayable once they start riding as professional Jockeys. Once the apprentice starts to race ride, he begins to earn money. A percentage of the money earned is paid into a trust fund for the apprentice, while the balance is paid to the Academy to help pay for the cost of training.
The most important feature of the Academy in South Africa is that it is run on the lines of a private boarding school and apart from the comprehensive education given, the strictest attention is paid to inculcating good manners, good speech, tasteful attire and a rigid sense of loyalty and honesty. The aim is not only to turn out first-class jockeys, but also well behaved young people.
WITRA intends to have their study completed by August of this year and a decisions taken as to site and structure of the Academy taken as quickly as possible thereafter.
We can't wait to have such an academy established as for us we so urgently need a "new beginning" for our racing product with professionals that are guided by a high sense of loyalty, honesty and all those other features that the academy will try to inculcate in our young recruits. Is this too much to dream for?
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
