THE Jamaica Racing Commission, which is the regulatory agency for horse racing in Jamaica on Saturday last (June 15) honoured two racing personalities during its annual Hall of Fame Race Day held at Caymanas Park.

Honoured were journalist Orville Clarke and owner, breeder and sponsor, Arthur “Tony” Baylis.

Clarke received recognition from the commission for his long years — over 40 writing, especially, race day reports, for generally writing racing articles, and being a part of several radio programmes dedicated to the promulgation of horse racing in Jamaica. In addition, “Clarkie” as he is well known inside and outside of racing, won the champion tipsters’ competition several times during his distinguished career.

Unfortunately, Clarke, because of illness was unable to receive his plaque on the day. Hall of Famer Clive “Freezing Rain” Evans, a close friend of the awardee, received on behalf of Clarke.

Baylis’ years in racing go way back to before the 1959 opening of Caymanas Park, when Knutsford Park (now New Kingston) was the top track in the island.

During his long and varied association with the sport, Baylis, known to most as Tony, was an owner, a breeder, and in his latter years still kept supporting racing as a valued sponsor. It was Baylis and his son Bruce, also an owner and breeder, who were the driving force behind the Seek Exercise Book-sponsored race day.

In a moving presentation, just a day prior to the celebration of Father’s Day, Tony was given his honour award by Bruce.