The following question and answer are credited to the great Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961), the author of the distinguished American novel A Farewell To Arms. “How did you go bankrupt? Two ways. Gradually then suddenly!”

This is certainly applicable to the local racing industry as horse population is now at its lowest in history as evidenced by the 74 and 69 horses raced on October 5 and 6, respectively, and only 75 declared for tomorrow’s 10 race programme.

Thirty-two years ago the claiming system inherited an average of 115 runners divided between 11 and 12 races each race day.

The “gradually” is underway and the “suddenly” may be on its way to becoming a reality if there is no change to the Caymanas racing product.

Delivered in a complicated claiming system since January 1993, it has ignored a genuine classification system of the horse population, and the industry has regressed. Only a return to classification for handicapping guarantees simplicity and customer friendliness of the product to grow the customer base.

The failure of industry to flourish was predictable with claiming condemning the product to niche market status as opposed to its prior mass appeal. With an average of a 50 per cent in the number of races, foals plummeting from 41,000 to 17,000 and the closing of many racetracks the US Jockey is moving to classify the horse population there after 96 years.

There are three occasions that demonstrates the past resilience of the local industry.

Firstly, in August 1973 a strong gust of wind literally raised the cantilever roof of the grandstand rendering the structure unsafe. This forced the abandonment of race meetings until that December after those unsightly supporting steel columns were installed. Only 49 race days were therefore possible that year.

Secondly, on September 12, 1988 the passage of Hurricane Gilbert and the damage rendered the Caymanas facility inoperable until Boxing Day that year.

Then thirdly, in late December 1989, there was an outbreak of equine influenza leaving almost the entire horse population quarantined until early April 1990.

In the existing 2024 circumstances, a recurrence of any of these or a similar event “suddenly” the survivability of the local racing industry would be in serious doubt.

On the usual subdued Sunday afternoon, the first of the nine races was secured 1-2 favourite Esuse Me Goodby ridden by Tevin Foster for Fitzgerald Richards.

Race two went to Adenosine at even money with Shavon Townsend aboard for trainer Enos Brown. Whilst in race three, Phillip Parchment drove owner/trainer Oral Hayden’s
Unruly Boss (3-1) to a two-length success.

Trained by Gregg Fennel, 4-5 favourite Funometer (Shavon Townsend) won the fourth and the fifth was taken by owner/trainer Steven Todd’s Tequila (Oshane Nugent) at odds of 9-1.

Race six went to 1-5 bet She’s Adorable (Raddesh Roman) for owner/trainer Carlton Cunningham. Even money favourite Prince Amaan (Omar Walker) won race seven to be the first of two for trainer Anthony Nunes.

The second was Babylove (3-5) in race eight ridden by Roman for a riding double to be at 103 and one behind 2024 leading reinsman Tevin Foster as the enthralling contest for this season’s title continued.

The 1,100-metre Vassel “Jolly Man” Najair Memorial Trophy was the closing ninth and featured event contested on the sloppy Caymanas surface by a field of 12.

With an earlier heavy downpour, races six, seven and eight had similar underfoot conditions. Dane Dawkins, the 2022 champion, induced a strong late run from 7-2 bet
Perfect Brew to score for trainer Richard Azan.

The Training Feat Award is presented to Steven Todd for the improved performance of Tequila Flight, listed officially as a lame scratch on August 31, her previous outing seven months prior to today’s romp of just over 14 lengths gets the Best Winning Gallop accolade. Dawkins’ handling of Perfect Brew gives him the Jockeyship Award.