BEHIND the glamour of Jamaica’s horse racing industry lies a harsh reality. Retired racehorses, once pampered and prized, are often left to fend for themselves on the streets. The consequences are devastating: accidents, injuries, and even death.

But a new initiative is changing the game. Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC) has launched a comprehensive aftercare programme to ensure the welfare of retired racehorses. The programme, which began in 2023, aims to provide a safe and sustainable transition for horses leaving the racing industry.

According to Dr Sophia Ramlal, JRC’s senior veterinarian, the programme was inspired by the need to formalise the retirement process and prevent neglect and abuse.

“Racing should be thought of as just the first phase of a horse’s career. Oftentimes horses can live into their 20s, which is two to three times longer than the average five to six years they spend racing, and so they can be valuable in many other disciplines after racing,” Dr Ramlal told the Jamaica Observer.

The rehoming process involves identifying suitable homes for retired horses, which are then vetted to ensure they meet the necessary standards. Dr Ramlal explained that the owners of actively racing horses are critical to the timely transition to retirement.

“Horses can be retired at any time, usually due to injury, vices, or underperformance,” she noted. “The JRC provides information on identification, as well as recommendations on health challenges, for new owners of OTTBs (off the track thoroughbreds) as needed. Future training opportunities are targeted for new owners, to include retraining webinars and literature to assist in the management of OTTBs.”

The programme has already facilitated the rehoming of 10 horses to various industries, including tourism and education. But the real challenge lies ahead. With over 150 horses leaving the racing industry every year, the programme needs to scale up to meet the demand.

Pamela Lawson, managing director for Jamaica Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (JSPCA), emphasised the need for a more streamlined approach to handling retired racehorses.

“The whole concept is to give the industry an outlet to send these animals somewhere else where they can be cleaned up, sorted out, and sent off to riding establishments, tourism attractions, mounted troops, and so forth.”

Lawson painted a stark picture of the reality faced by many retired racehorses in Jamaica.

“These animals have enjoyed a high-quality of life, and all of a sudden everything is taken away from them. They are left to roam the streets, causing accidents, hurting people, and being killed,” she lamented.

The JSPCA has seen first-hand the devastating consequences of this neglect.

“It is expensive to dispose of these animals,” Lawson noted.

But with the JRC’s aftercare programme there is hope for a better future. The programme is currently funded by JRC and Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL), with plans to establish a charitable foundation to secure sustainable funding.

Dr Ramlal emphasised the need for sustainable funding solutions.

“Sustainable funding is to be driven by the establishment of a charitable foundation to manage fund-raising and donations through various channels,” she explained.

Dr Ramlal also stressed the importance of promoting the value of retired racehorses.

“Currently in Jamaica, there is a greater demand for healthy, retired racehorses than can be filled, largely in our booming tourism industry,” she noted. “Through the programme there will be the opportunity to strengthen legislation on humane retirement while advocating for stronger oversight of OTTBs and other horses.”

As the programme continues to grow, one thing is clear: The welfare of retired racehorses is a top priority. With the support of JRC, JSPCA, and other stakeholders including SVREL, Equestrian Federation of Jamaica (EFJ), Sand N Saddle, Half Moon Equestrian Centre, Mounted Troop Division, Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), Chukka Cove Adventures, and Jamaica Polo Association, the animals will receive the care and respect they deserve.

In the words of Dr Ramlal, “Aftercare is not an afterthought.”

Lesley-Ann Masterton Fong-Yee, president of Jamaica Polo Association, has a deep appreciation for Jamaican thoroughbreds.

“Our Jamaican thoroughbreds are special breeds,” she said. “For the most part, they are not quite as large as their First World counterparts but they are a lot hardier and can excel in equestrian pursuits.”

Fong-Yee is excited about JRC’s initiative to ensure the welfare of retired racehorses.

“I am excited, and I applaud the JRC’s interest in what happens to these thoroughbreds at the end of their racing careers,” she said. “They are identifying, investigating, and supporting all the equestrian activities that they can be involved with.”

Fong-Yee believes that this initiative will facilitate the humane transition of these horses into the next stage of their lives.

“These horses are national treasures that need to be given every opportunity to continue to make their contribution beyond the finish line,” she emphasised.

By supporting JRC’s aftercare programme, Fong-Yee hopes that Jamaican thoroughbreds will continue to thrive and excel in various equestrian pursuits.