Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL) Chairman Solomon Sharpe reflected on the 2024 racing season, describing it as “very interesting” despite its challenges.

“The year 2024 has been a very interesting year,” Sharpe told the Jamaica Observer’s
The Supreme Racing Guide.

“At Caymanas Park, you have to be strong; you have to be able to deal with the ups and downs. The stakeholders have demanded a lot, but my most important stakeholder is left happy, which are the punters. They came here week in and week out, supporting this, and without them, we can’t keep this going,” Sharpe further added.

Sharpe also acknowledged the contributions of breeders, owners, trainers, jockeys, grooms, and staff members, emphasising the importance of teamwork in the industry.

“We also have to thank the breeders, owners, trainers, jockeys, grooms, everybody on the backstretch, and all of the staff members. It has been a very fantastic year,” he said.

Despite the challenges faced during the season, Sharpe was pleased with the overall outcome.

“I liked how the year turned out, despite all the hiccups, the bumps, and the bruises. But when you are in sports, you have to take those, and we are getting harder and harder, and we can manage the bumps and bruises. And so, they don’t want to stay in our way come 2025, because we are going to mow you down,” Sharpe noted.

Looking ahead to 2025, Sharpe expressed optimism about the future of Caymanas Park, which has gained recognition on the world stage.

“We are going to do great, as we have put Caymanas Park on the world stage, and it’s just to further solidify that and make Caymanas Park bigger and better,” he said.

Sharpe emphasised the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, including the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC), the regulator, to drive progress.

“If we don’t work together, we are not going to move forward together. So, I am just encouraging everybody to come, let’s work together, and make this thing work. It is a full 360, and horse racing is real teamwork, and once we stick to the teamwork, everything is going to be great,” he cautioned.

Sharpe reiterated his commitment to providing a high-quality experience for fans, both locally and internationally.

“I think it [Caymanas Park] is the greatest place on earth, and when you can see these fantastic fans, there’s nothing more you can ask for. I think we are very much in tune with the consumers, and we are giving them a show that they want. We have to do some more work with the other stakeholders, all the horsemen and horsewomen on the backstretch, and do some more work with the regulator,” Sharpe said.

Ultimately, Sharpe’s goal is to continue growing the sport and providing an exceptional experience for all involved.

“We continue to give a great show, not only to the fans in Jamaica but also the fans overseas,” he said.