Howard Hamilton
THE QUALITY of our racing continues to grovel in mediocrity no doubt due to the 'standards' that now seem to be the norm in accepting entries into this sport.
The deterioration in the 'class of people' that now make up the racing scene was forcibly brought to me by an incident which took place at the NONE-SUCH Awards function held recently - a function which recognises and rewards excellence at all levels in the sport.
I had to leave the ceremony a bit early and left four trophies in the care of the marketing manager on the table where we were all seated. To her surprise, when she went to collect the trophies, all four were gone. We have delayed commenting in the hope that the person or persons who removed these trophies (for safe keeping) would have returned them by this time. But this has not happened and we can only conclude that the trophies were stolen by people in attendance at that function.
I am still in shock to know that our industry has now reached the depth where the élite of racing can go to a function and steal trophies. It befuddles my mind - but then I reflect and see that this is the quality of the characters that now demeans the racing scene.
I remember years ago when we had an 'outbreak' of major doping scandals and a group of us went to see the Attorney General, Mr. Dudley Thompson, for what assistance he could provide. We had a long discussion but at the end of the day he emphasised that our activity of racing was akin to that of a private club and we admit who we want. In the same way, we should expel those who we suspect as being undesirable.
PROBLEMS
We have never seemed to have the conviction nor the fortitude to face these increasing problems head on.
Let us take the position with the playing of the National Anthem. In an effort to change the current attitudes of people, we should have some popular singer sing the anthem with an announcement that all should stand for the singing of the anthem.
Security guards should be placed strategically to ensure that people respect this important part of their national culture. Those who forcefully disobey should be forcefully evicted. Over time I am sure you will see the difference. The guards themselves should be made to know that the playing of the National Anthem means that one ceases all movement and stands to attention facing the flag - if there is one.
The lack of stars in a performance is the surest way to failure. Somehow we have not been able to convince the promoters that the programmes that they are currently putting on will serve to do nothing else than drive racing fans away. It will certainly not attract new fans. I cannot believe that in a population of 1,000 horses there are not at least 20 who are 'top of the line'. This question of quality is all relative: you take any group and the structure of distribution of talent, looks, size, intelligence you name it forms the shape of a pyramid.
Horse racing is no different your better performers are at the top and the quality diminishes as you get to the bottom. The statistician will tell you that a minimum of 1.5 per cent to 2.0 per cent should form the 'élite' in any group and it is to this group that spectators will gravitate.
PRESTIGIOUS RACE
We have been preaching for years that more of our horses should be advanced to 'A' class and ensure that at least one prestigious race is run every month. In days gone by, imported horses started their racing career in 'A' class and worked their way down. Why can't we reinstitute that system?
I would probably 'suffer' the most since I am more than likely the largest importer of horses. But, notwithstanding that we need to have our top horses running regularly. The frequent cancellation of races for 'lack of entries' is not good enough and the general talk now is that it suits no one to own a good horse since the promoters are totally unsympathetic to the needs of such owners. Every other country has two and three and four horse races, what is wrong with us? If the only thing that is done is that which generates money then our priorities are all cock-eyed.
Howard L. Hamilton, C.D, J.P is a former chairman of Caymanas Track Limited. He is the current president of Thoroughbred Owners and Breeder's Association. He can be contacted at howham@cwjamaica.com.
