Howard Hamilton

Another year has come and gone. This was a year full of hope and expectations, but unfortunately, none of these hopes, expectations or promises were fulfilled.

We had hopes that the much-needed restructuring of the racing industry would have started with the divestment of the racing plant. This still remains a matter awaiting some decision. I have always been of the opinion that the divestment process was flawed and that the conditions, as presented, could not be met.

We move into a new year with the hope that some way can be found to attract the much-needed capital injection.

What is wrong with a public offering of shares in a restructured Caymanas Track Ltd.?

In spite of all the difficulties which the industry face there are a number of positives, which suggest that there will be a brighter tomorrow. The breeding industry is at last seeing that its efforts and persistence have not been in vain.

The performance of our locally bred horses has opened the eyes of horsemen in the wider Caribbean. They have seen the tremendous potential, which exists in the Jamaican industry.

MIRACLE MAN

The performance of MIRACLE MAN, in Puerto Rico, has been "the icing on the cake".

We must not let this interest be lost. The Breeders Association and the promoters of racing must ensure that the networking with racing interests abroad is maintained.

The need for developing these relationships seems to be lost on the current directors of Caymanas Track Ltd.

I am also among those who feel that it was very short-sighted of the directors not to have a strong presence in Puerto Rico. This is not about going to watch a race. It is about using the opportunity to meet and discuss with racing people the tremendous opportunities, which Jamaica has to offer.

It is about seeing how others do things and developing these all-important global links. I recall my days in the corporate world when the best 'education' was through meeting with my peers and exchanging ideas. We discussed common problems and learnt from each other possible solutions.

These exchanges are critical if one wishes to build a successful industry.

Maybe, what we need is a board of directors with a broader base of knowledge than that confined to lawyers and accountants. Balan-cing the books is important, but there is much more to racing.

One of the interesting features of racing in South Africa is the opportunity, which punters have to make fixed odds betting. The two promoting companies have formed a company with a bookmaker to offer this facility at all the tracks.

This is an attraction, which adds another dimension to compete with the numerous gaming opportunities.

It is an innovation that is well worth considering at Caymanas Park.

This would go a long way in bridging the gap between the bookmakers and the promoting company.

FORTUNE GAMING

There has been quite some discussion and commentary on the activity of a company called Fortune Gaming, the principal of which is a former director of CTL, and also an unsuccessful bidder in the recent divestment process.

I find it strange that the Gaming Commission could have considered an application for another pari-mutuel operation without discussing this with the promoters of our local racing industry.

This is a major part of the problem with our industry - egos and one-upmanships - two of the worse characteristics, which our creator could have given to man.

I also find it strange that, as a director, the contract for simulcast racing was vigorously renegotiated so that CTL could deal directly with the race tracks and not have to go through an agent.

Now there is an exclusive contract with a service provider and this same former director insists that all negotiations must include his 'agency' consideration.

This is indeed a strange world - when you are the agent all is well but when you are not the agent things are vigorously opposed - a strange world indeed.

The expectation is that coming out of all this there will be closer collaboration with decision-makers through regular structured meetings.

We go into the new year with the best crop of horses ever produced. The two-year-olds have been outstanding with none being more dominant than the other. The breeders must feel proud that that their efforts have not been in vain. We can therefore look forward to an exciting year of racing.

If only we had proper seating where our friends could be suitably entertained!

If only we had proper dining facilities!

If only we had a sterile stable area!

If only we had a proper clinic for the treating of injured horses!

If only we had more equine veterinarians with a 24-hour on-call service!

But, then, these are standard at every race track in the world. To the Government, I once again make a plea: "Release me and let me love again."

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.