BACK ON TRACK?
Following the reopening of the racetrack for exercise, Patrick Smellie, president of the United Racehorse Trainers’ Association of Jamaica (URTAJ), says the organisation is willing to resume talks with promoting company Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL) for the return of live racing.
After a failed meeting on Tuesday at Caymanas Park between racing stakeholders and the promoting company regarding an increase in purse money, this weekend’s race meets were cancelled due to a lack of horse nominations. The race track was closed for exercise.
Tuesday afternoon, two water trucks were parked across the track near the winning post, preventing any action. On Wedneday, both trucks were moved, and workers were spotted watering and raking the racing surface.
According to Smellie, who was initially upset, this was an indication that another meeting with the promoting company will be held to iron out the concerns.
“That is completely unreasonable, unconscionable, possibly illegal, and inhumane to the animals at the race track,” Smellie told the Jamaica Observer.
“I had a meeting here [Caymanas Park] this morning (Wednesday), and while we were there, they [SVREL personnel] came and removed the water trucks and were watering the racing surface once more. That’s a good sign that we might be able to get back around the table,” he added.
“It [the racetrack closure] may have a negative impact on the horses because this is not best practice for the animals anywhere in the world or in Jamaica. We spoke with our local veterinarians, and they all agreed that this is not recommended practice.
“I assume the track will reopen for exercise on Thursday morning because nothing official has been received from them. I went to the track with a couple of my trainers, observed what was going on, and we’re happy with what we saw,” Smellie stated.
SVREL issued a statement on Wednesday noting that it is open to having discussions with stakeholders in order to resume live racing. But it insisted that an agreement which was signed last year will enable the company to further invest in the local horse racing industry.
“Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited, operator of Caymanas Park, wishes to advice all stakeholders and fans of horse racing that it is open and stands ready to work with owners and trainers to have the earliest resumption of live racing.
“Since assuming oversight for Caymanas Park, SVREL has made significant investment and undertaken extensive measures to improve the racing product and to develop a sustainable industry.
“Last year, in one such effort to improve the sustainability and stability of the industry, SVREL and key industry owners and trainers arrived at a milestone agreement whereby purses will be 49 per cent of gross gaming revenue (GGR),” the statement said.
“This year, representatives of the owners and trainers have indicated their dissatisfaction with the expected purse payout and have taken the decision to withhold the nomination for the live race meet scheduled for Saturday, July 15, 2023.
“SVREL’s hope was, and still remains, that this GGR agreement will bring a measure of stability to the industry and so it is reiterating its readiness to continue discussions with the owners and trainers and other relevant stakeholders with a view to resolve the issue expeditiously,” the SVREL statement added.
Local horse racing stakeholders have rejected a $27-million purse increase provided by SVREL, which led to the stand-off.
Smellie reaffirmed the trainers’ association’s position.
“When 123 trainers and owners and grooms say no more, you know everyone is on the same page,” Smellie said.