Smellie hails SVREL’s new timing system at Caymanas
President of the United Racehorse Trainers’ Association of Jamaica (URTAJ), Patrick Smellie, has welcomed the new digital timing system that came into effect at Caymanas Park last Saturday, stating that it will certainly enhance the racing product at the Gregory Park-based facility.
Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL) have partnered with overseas companies Gmax and TDP, and it is the first implementation in the English-speaking Caribbean.
The Gmax and TPD racing systems are widely deployed thoroughbred race tracking systems, providing data used by regulators, broadcasters, and racing professionals around the world. The technology offers products and services to monitor the performances and welfare of horses.
Smellie has lauded the racing promoters SVREL for their implementation of this system, noting that it will help to raise the profile of the sport internationally.
“It is a good thing for racing because it brings us up to international standards, and so from the trainers’ point of view, this is something positive,” said Smellie. “This is certainly a positive thing for racing because it is an uplift from the hand timing device, and so this is a plus for racing,” he said.
Chris Wills, vice-president of operations at SVREL, said the implementation of the digital timing system at Caymanas Park will now bring local racing in line with other racetracks in the United States.
“In terms of international standards, we are now definitely on par with Gulfstream Park and all the racetracks in New York and places around the world,” said Wills. “They are a little bit ahead of us in terms of digital time, so we have taken the step to improve the product to ensure that we keep up with international standards.”
Meanwhile, former champion trainer Anthony ‘’Baba’’ Nunes said he welcomes this new technology because it will help to enhance the sport significantly going into the future.
“I think this is a great job by SVREL because we are trying to be First World as much as we can, and this is another step in that direction,” Nunes said. “Things like this are where we want to go, and they are doing a good job regarding that,” he said.