Fifty key figures from various sectors within the horse racing industry, including jockeys, trainers, owners, breeders, veterinarians, and management representatives from Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited, met with Finance Minister Dr. Nigel Clarke. The meeting, which also included Commissioners from the Jamaica Racing Commission and other relevant stakeholders, centered on charting a path forward following the recent enforcement of Rule 44. This rule dictates that races may be abandoned if the starter fails to commence the race within five minutes of the scheduled post time.
A Meeting the Minister deemed a productive one. Read the release:
The promoter and other industry stakeholders will make every effort to improve the punctuality of races. Delayed starts pose a health risk to jockeys. Delays also have the potential to adversely affect the health of horses.
Abandonment of races as a measure has the effect of collective punishment with unintended consequences. Jockeys, grooms, owners, trainers, punters, fans, the promoter and the GOJ are all impacted. The JRC will review the newly instituted Rule 44(3) which empowers stewards to abandon races and will suspend its application for the time being. In the interim, the JRC will develop a program of dissuasive fines that disincentives late starts with clear rules on the application of such fines.
Over the next 30 days, the respective parties will renegotiate the Deed among them that addresses the calculation of amounts allocated to purses and the distribution of such amounts.
On the signing of a renegotiated Deed, I will appoint a Task Force to review the horse racing industry and make recommendations for an acceleration of its development.
