The performances of Rideallday (USA) and Imjustagirl (USA) were timely reminders of the potential and prospects for the local racing industry’s enhanced entertainment value. The former’s track record (1:41.4) run in the eight-and-a-half furlong, Ian Levy, and the latter’s impressive debut of cantering six furlongs in 1:11.3.

These performances provided some relief from the current occupational group trauma of increased premiums for insurance coverage and the continued unavailability of the equine swimming pool, etc, as promoter Supreme VenturesLimited/Supreme Ventures Racing & Entertainment Limited continues to execute a challenging financial balancing act in attempting to fulfil some demands of the 2016 Divestment Agreement as well as satisfy the shareholders.

In terms of handicap ratings being the highest ever, the fact that Rideallday (USA) toted 126 lbs on a good surface with the wind direction and strength very close to normal for the time of day, this is the best achieved by any horse that raced at Caymanas racetrack in any era, as the previous US-bred record holder only carried 96 lbs. With reference to the run by Imjustagirl (USA), the time could be at least two seconds faster if any persuasion by the rider was necessary, and it would be the most impressive debut ever at this racetrack.

Effectively, the Rideallday (USA) performance, when compared with the Allowance company in North America, the Philip Feanny-conditioned four-year-old colt, would be competitive in any State, including New York, California, Kentucky, and Florida, the major areas for thoroughbred racing. Naturally, I expect to be challenged on this, but anyone so inclined will have to demonstrate a grasp of the British Horseracing Authority handicapping methodology, so be mindful of how your response is framed.

Given the climate change phenomenon, both Rideallday (USA) and Imjustagirl (USA) have adjusted very well to the heat of the Caymanas stable area, whereas many more importees have some level of ability, but have not been as successful. I have not researched to determine the total number of imported horses in training, as it may not be that relevant, but here is a fact. Of the 755 races over the 80 race days in 2025, 129 were won by the US breds. In 2026, so far, at the end of March, with 185 races completed in 18 race meets, the importees have won 34 times.

Speaking of imported horses, the breeding industry decline continues in North America (USA, Canada, and Puerto Rico), and for 2025 foal registration at 17,300 was 600 less than the 2024 crop. There were 44,143 North American foals registered in 1990, and the extent of the fallout in investment in the industry is epitomised by the 2025 return from the breeding sheds on the continent. This is a downturn of nearly 60 per cent in three-and-a-half decades.

Against the background of these concerning statistics from the regulatory United States Jockey Club, the average price of yearlings has seen an annual steep increase, and nothing that I am aware of suggests that there is any effort to attract investment. In fact, despite the extraordinary development in political and religious conservatism, there are now 38 of the 50 states where gaming is legal.

This is a far cry from three decades ago when only Atlantic City in New Jersey, Las Vegas in Nevada, and San Francisco, California were the only three recognisable locations globally. The problem facing horse racing in the USA is that since the turn of the century sports gaming has gone into the stratosphere, with the claiming system product too complicated to comprehend and, therefore, a very effective barrier to expansion in the entry-level segment of the market to tap the potential there.

Effectively, what this means is that in the claiming system format, horse racing cannot compete successfully with sports betting on Major League Baseball, the National Basketball League, the National Football League, and Major League Soccer, amongst other sports globally. In Europe and Asia, including the Middle and Far East, as well as Africa, and Down Under in Australia, wagering on under a handicap horse racing system is flourishing.

To underscore the ever-decreasing lack of support for horse racing, the US pari-mutuel handle of US$9.6 billion in 1992, with 255 million inhabitants, was only US$10.35 billion in 2025, although the US population has now topped $345.5 million. Effective October 2025, whilst retaining claiming tag races, the US Jockey Club has now classified the horse population to increase field sizes and drive wagering with horses of similar ability competing in the same races.

This is not only possible locally, but the classification is published in this newspaper’s weekly racing supplement and has been available for immediate implementation for the last 12 years. However, there is a bizarre and unfounded claim that the liquidity of the gaming market is maximised. What is needed is a viable racing product. Americans came to their senses, and now, after 33 years of signal system failure, the industry needs a similar but highly unlikely awakening here.

Trainer Jason DaCosta (left) greets his charge Imjustagirl (Robert Halledeen) after her debut win on Monday, April 6, 2026. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)