With the imminent divestment of Caymanas Track Limited (CTL) – the sole promoter of local horse racing in Jamaica, racing professionals are already excited about the change, hoping that the new initiative will rejuvenate the sport.

The Complete Racing Guide sought the views of some trainers on the issue of divestment and the announcement of the preferred bidder – Supreme Ventures Limited (SVL).

Owner and trainer Ian Parsard says that he believes SVL is the right entity to emerge as the preferred bidder to take over operations, and he is looking forward to meaningful change.

“This [divestment] is potentially the best thing that could happen for racing, and I can’t wait for it to be concluded. Personally, I think that the folks who have gotten it are the right folks to run the operations at the racetrack.

“Supreme Ventures, I think, understands the business and they will get to learn the racing industry, plus they are very professional in management as well.

“They have major stakeholders who love racing, and so there is a good balance. With Supreme Ventures, things will look brighter for the future of racing. I am really looking forward to this divestment,” Parsard said.

Champion trainer Wayne DaCosta said that he is expecting a better-looking environment at Caymanas Park.

“It cannot happen too fast. Let’s hope that Supreme Ventures means good to the racing industry and that they will put a lot of their hard-earned cash into the infrastructure and fixing up the place.

“All in all, I am looking forward for them getting the place much improved,” he said.

Trainer Gary Subratie believes divestment is the right move – and a necessary one for the improvement of Caymanas Park.

“Oh, this is an excellent idea. This divestment is needed for the racing industry. In fact, everybody needs it. Supreme Ventures is the right entity that won the bid and I believe that they are going to spend some money, because this game needs a little money to go forward.

“We will see what they will do, and within about six months’ time I know that we are going to see a big difference.

“Right now, I would love to see purses increase – which is the first thing – and to give back more to the punters.

“I also want to see the facility improved and the racing itself to be of international standard, because I know we can be international,” Subratie stated.