Howard Hamilton
THE JAMAICA Racing Commission held their annual Pre-Derby and Hall of Fame awards function on June 1. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend this year's function but all reports indicate that the function was well-attended and the programme ensured an enjoyable evening. Unfortunately, not much has been reported on this prestigious function.
The only mention has been the well-deserved induction of popular horseman Cecil Charlton into the Hall of Fame in the category of personalities, who have made an outstanding contribution to racing. This is the third bookmaker to be so honoured - the others being Melvin Chin and Anthony Watson.
I regard it as somewhat hypocritical that bookmakers can be honoured by the Racing Commission for their sterling contribution to racing but the same Commission exclude them from being involved with the promotion of racing. In fact, it was this anachronistic regulation which was used to hound me out of my position as chairman of Caymanas Track Limited some years ago.
ON THE WAR PATH
The Trainers' Association was on the war path against the direction of the promoting company. The then Vice-President Vin Edwards spared no time in repeatedly writing to the Minister of Finance pointing out to him the regulation which, because of my shareholding in a small bookmaking establishment, excluded me from being able to serve on the board.
I felt strongly that the regulation was applicable to a different era. The Bookmaking industry had evolved into a major contributor to the racing industry as evidenced by the supreme recognition given to three stalwarts of the industry. On a point of principle I refused to dispose of my shares and was therefore forced to resign. In retrospect, I owe a debt of gratitude to Vin Edwards because racing at Caymanas Park has continued to decline. The industry is heading nowhere and getting there very fast.
For the first time, my frustration has reached a level which questions my sanity at the level of investment which I continue to make. I have had to conclude that enough is enough and it would be better for me to reduce my involvement. Starting seven horses one day and having none even place was an eye opener. This prompted me to have a serious look at my level of involvement.
With less than 30 per cent of racing expenses being recovered from purses and with the imminent increase in racing costs, it makes no sense continuing at this level. The environment continues to deteriorate and participating is no longer fun filled and exciting. I have had a good run and I reduce my involvement with few regrets.
Coming back to the Awards Function, I was disappointed that there was no report on the excellent speech made by the Honourable Dennis Lalor O.J. He was the guest speaker and reminded us that racing "is an interest which knows no boundaries. Around the sport has grown up a vast industry, at one end of the spectrum, are the breeders and owners, while at the other are, in my estimation, some 20,000 persons including veterinarians, trainers, grooms, jockeys, exercise riders, suppliers of equipment and feed for horses, employees of the regulators, the promoting company, bookmakers, stud farms, and the executing company."
A DOWNPOUR OF RUIN
He went on to point out that, "there is an ominous cloud hovering over the industry, having the appearance of gloom and poised for a tremendous downpour of ruin". He observed that the central issue in the sport today is not about divestment or no divestment, nothing to do with how much jockeys or grooms are paid or whether owners should get more or breeders' bonuses should be discontinued. The main problem stems from a lack of money and the important challenge is to get the economics of racing right. The betting turnover has to be increased. This growth cannot take place unless punters are encouraged to participate in the activity.
He re-emphasised what has been said and written so often that it is a travesty that nothing has been done. The "take out" from the punters dollar is much too high. We don't know what more to do to convince the promoters that they continue to dig their own grave unless the "take out" is substantially reduced.
Horse racing represents glamour, excitement, colour, betting, fear, bravado and also professional brilliance. Racing caters to all of man's emotions and has been an integral part of our industry for over two centuries.
Dennis Lalor went on to underscore the fact that racing needs proper promotion. It needs to come into the 21st century, attractiveness, a good working environment, competitive racing and adequate security. We need to heed the cry of the vested interests who want to prevent the further decline of Jamaica racing as a spectacle, an entertainment, and a provider of substantial employment.
His was an excellent contribution - oh that there were more voices singing from the same hymn sheet.
Howard L. Hamilton, C.D., J.P., is a former chairman of Caymanas Track Limited. He is the current president of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association. He can be contacted at howham@cwjamaica.com.
