Howard Hamilton
IT IS not easy to walk away from an activity that has been part of your life for some 40 plus years. But the time has come when one has to take stock and measure the cost.
The overriding consideration in my decision is the frustration brought about by the inability of the stakeholders in the industry to make any meaningful impact on the urgent restructuring which is needed.
I must admit to my own failures in getting the support needed to move the industry forward.
Failure is not something to which I am accustomed and that probably explains my desire to give up and leave the struggle to others. The question I will always ask is: Why?
The solutions are so obvious. Why can't we like sensible people "Grasp this sorry scheme of things entire, shatter it to bits, and then remold it closer to the heart's desire." Possibly being pregnant with impatience brings a lack of tolerance and understanding.
Whatever it is, I have had enough and I now exhort others to continue the struggle.
Last week I commented on the excellent contribution made by the Hon. Dennis Lalor O.J. in his speech at the Jamaica Racing Commission Pre-Derby and Hall of Fame Awards function. What he had to say is worth emphasising. Among the observations which he made, was recognition of the rich history and time-worn popularity of our sport.
POPULAR FROIM EARLY DAYS
Racing has been popular from the very early days when the English settlers introduced the thoroughbred to the island.
The story is told that racing was so popular that the governor dissolved the House of Assembly because one of its members protested against the Speaker's refusal to grant him permission to attend a race meeting.
The legend of racing in Jamaica is as fascinating as any in the world. We have developed an enviable reputation for producing top-flight bloodstock. We continue to export a fair number of horses annually to the Caribbean. We boast of having had the largest thoroughbred breeding establishment in the world. The farm at Pepper in St. Elizabeth produced top-quality horses - classic winners for our colonial masters of the 18th and 19th century.
This history and tradition is one of which we should all be proud. It is a heritage which we should treasure and preserve. Why then this apathy? Why this failure to appreciate the urgent need to halt the slide and redirect this sport along the path that will make us proud to be participants?
Racing in every country is part of the entertainment industry. If properly organised and funded, it provides a premier advertising opportunity, capitalising on its history and entertainment value.
But, while elsewhere the emphasis is on increasing the attractiveness of the sport, here it is treated like a pariah.
People no longer flock to racing. Even the diehards are now questioning the value of the return on their investments on each bet placed.
They now question what appears to be a breakdown in the integrity of the sport.
They now question the poor quality of services and accommodation.
They now question the inadequacy of security and the 'slums' which parade themselves as stables.
Once again another voice pointed out that all over the world the emphasis is on comfort, attractiveness, a good working environment, competitive racing, and adequate security. These cannot be achieved with current disproportionate taxation of the industry. Nor can it be achieved with current levels of return to the punter.
Government now owns the industry more by default than design. Over the years - going back to the 1960s when Caymanas track was built and the industry moved from Knutsford Park in New Kingston there was a problem with the level of taxation.
TAXATION
From these early times, it was obvious that taxation was disproportionate as well as the inability of the industry to pay lead to an accumulation of debt over the years.
This debt prompted the government in the 80s to seize the assets. Having done this, there was no plan for a restructuring and things have moved from bad to worse.
We have failed to inform the current owners, Members of Parliament and civil servants of the need for a sound racing industry. It continues to be regarded as a milch cow. Let me exhort once again, breeders, owners, trainers and jockeys, all the stakeholders, to unite in a common cause for the restructuring of this important industry.
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.
