SVREL commits $1 million to support racehorse grooms
SUPREME Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL) has announced a $1-million contribution to the grooms who deliver their services at Caymanas Park.
The initiative delivers direct financial support to grooms through a series of grants tied to race performance during March, which is observed as Grooms Appreciation Month at the park.
During the designated race period of March 14 to March 28, 2026 each winning groom will receive a grant of $15,000. The grant recognises and rewards the indispensable role grooms play in preparing horses for competition.
In a special tribute on Grooms Association Day, scheduled for March 28, there will be additional grants. The best-dressed groom will receive a $10,000 grant and the groom of the best-presented horse on race day will also receive a $10,000 grant. These incentives are designed to celebrate excellence in horse presentation and the pride that grooms take in their craft.
All grants under this initiative will be paid directly to the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC) and applied toward the renewal of recipients’ 2026/2027 grooms’ licenses. This mechanism ensures that support reaches grooms in a structured and meaningful way while directly reducing the financial burden of maintaining their professional standing and keeping them actively employed in the sport.
“Grooms are vital to the success of horse racing. They do so much of the preparatory work with the horses, often arriving before dawn to start their duties. Every horse that enters the gate for a race carries the dedication of a groom. Through this $1-million investment SVREL is making a clear statement that we value the work of the grooms and we are committed to their livelihood and the future of this sport. Channelling these grants through the Jamaica Racing Commission ensures every dollar works directly for the grooms by supporting their licenses and keeping them active in the industry they love,” said Solomon Sharpe, SVREL executive chairman.
This contribution forms part of SVREL’s broader mission of creating a sustainable industry by helping to elevate every tier of the horse racing ecosystem in Jamaica, from ownership and training to the essential stable staff who make race day possible.
Groom Norman Meggoe doing the rounds with his horse on the roadway at Caymanas Park on Wednesday, July 12, 2023. (Photo: Ruddy Allen)
SHARPE…grooms are vital to the success of horse racing.
