EDITOR’S NOTE – Deirdre Gittens is a Barbadian national who recent completed her studies at the UWI’s (Mona) Caribbean Institute of Mass Communication (CARIMAC). Gittens visited Caymanas Park for the first time last Saturday. The following is her report.

The thump of hooves as racehorses bolt down the track accompanied by the occasional cracking of a whip in the hands of their riders are just some of the sounds that can be heard at the Caymanas Park race track as young and old cheer on their favourite horse and jockey.

For some, attending the racetrack religiously every Saturday and sometimes on Sunday, whether with friends, family, or alone is a tradition that is firmly emblazoned in the lives of these Jamaicans since the opening of Caymanas Park in 1959.

Although some get their share of excitement from simply watching the horses race, some dare to live on the wild side and make their way to the betting windows in hopes of going home in a better financial position.

For some, a simple win or place bet may suffice, but some choose to push their luck by making bets on numerous horses in the form of Trifecta, or even Superfecta, where the first three and four finishers of a race must be picked in the exact order.

But before any race can even take place, there are certain preparations and customs which must be followed.

For one, the track has to be prepared for the races, which means the usual spraying and raking of the track to ensure a smooth and safe surface for not only the horses but the riders as well.

Then of course, there is the parade of horses before they make their way through the tunnel and onto the track. This is the time when persons either watch from any of the three levels of the stands or some choose to venture downstairs to the saddling area for a closer look.

This custom varies for some because while some persons are simply admiring the big beauties, some look on in hopes of finding the winner of the upcoming race, either to determine their next bet or to confirm that they picked the right one for a bet they already made.

While many enjoy this part of the day, some persons use this opportunity to get a quick bite from one of the many food stalls or vendors located at the track.

Nonetheless, when the parade is over, persons make their way back to settle into their spots, whether it be seated, standing as close to the track as possible or watching from the heights of the ‘Glass House as it is called which is located on the third and highest level.

Then it’s time for the most important part of any day at the track, the races!

This is the time when you can either witness someone win it all or lose it all. A time where tempers flare or excitement is unleashed before, during and after each race.

Tensions rise as the horses are guided into the starting gate and await the familiar song of the ringing bell to signal the start of the race. However, while most persons are calm at the start of the race, it’s within the last couple furlongs that the excitement really begins.

The stands resemble the end of a much awaited performance as a standing ovation ensues, while some persons can be seen pacing back and forth, either shouting or whispering the name of the horse they need to win.

In the last few seconds before the end of the race, some persons are either overjoyed as they know they are seconds away from a big win, while the evident look of frustration can be seen on the faces of many throughout the crowd as they come to terms with their loss.

At the same time, those who attended the track merely to observe can be seen in their groups commentating and commenting on the performance of the horses and the day’s proceedings.

But, after the last race has come to a close, persons make their way to the exits as they await their next visit to the track where they relive the excitement once again, that is, a day at the Caymanas Park race track.