In a bid to enhance the safety and well-being of grooms, the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC) has issued reflective vests to these essential workers. The initiative aims to increase visibility when grooms transport horses from the racetrack to the sea and back, often during early morning hours when visibility is poor.

According to Richard Longmore, general manager of the JRC, the commission has always prioritised the safety and welfare of grooms.

“The JRC has always remained committed to the Grooms’ Association and their safety and as such we think that through wearing the [reflective] vests it would cause good reflection and good added features,” Longmore told the Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide during the distribution of the vests in the Trainers’ Room at Caymanas Park on Wednesday.

Longmore acknowledged the challenging working conditions faced by grooms, who often work during early morning hours when visibility is poor.

“The whole safety is critical. Remember the grooms come out at times in the mornings when we are sleeping at 4:00 am and 5:00 am. Those are dark hours and so this vest increases safety and we can have more grooms operating within the hours that they operated in a safe and comfortable environment,” he said.

The JRC has worked closely with the Grooms’ Association to identify approved routes for transporting horses, which have been endorsed by Major Leon Thomas. By using these designated routes, grooms will face fewer obstacles related to traffic, reducing the risk of accidents.

“We have discussed with the Major routes which the Major has approved, and once they [grooms] travelled on these routes they will have fewer obstacles as it relates to traffic and all of that. So we want to encourage everyone, particularly as it relates to the grooms, that safety and their health is critical and the commission remains committed in helping them to achieve those goals,” explained Longmore.

Longmore highlighted the importance of safety, citing a recent incident in which horses were struck by cars, which could have resulted in serious harm to grooms.

“In a recent incident we saw where cars actually hit down several horses, where grooms could have been involved in that and that would not have been pretty,” he ended.

Fabian White, president of the Grooms’ Association of Jamaica, has expressed his gratitude for the reflective vests.

“This means the world to us. Safety is paramount to our association, and these vests will provide an added layer of protection for our members. When we travel to the sea, often between 1:00 am and 2:00 am, we share the roads with motorists going to or returning from parties, which have led to accidents in the past.

“With these reflective vests, we’ll be more visible to drivers, ensuring a safer journey for everyone involved — our members, the horses, and motorists alike. We’re thankful for the JRC’s support in prioritising our safety. This gesture demonstrates that they genuinely care about our well-being, and we appreciate their efforts,” White said.

Mark Collis, a veteran groom and swimmer with years of experience, expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the reflective vests.

“I’m truly thankful for this initiative,” he said.

“The roads can be extremely hazardous, especially during early morning and night-time hours. Having spent many years swimming horses at the sea, I can attest to the risks involved. But with these reflective vests, I feel a sense of relief knowing that I’ll be more visible to all road users, making my journeys significantly safer,” Collins said.