THE Trinidad and Tobago Racing Association (TTRA) has pledged to assist the Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA) to get its house in order.

Speaking at a press briefing yesterday, GHRA president Vickram Oditt informed that his association has been in fruitful discussions with its counterparts from the Twin Island Republic which resulted in TTRA Secretary/Steward David Loregand paying a visit to Guyana to continue discussions on how the GHRA can be recognised regionally and internationally.
According to Oditt, the GHRA has had discussions with the Ministry of Sport, more directly, Dr Frank Anthony, and it was decided that a formal request should be sent to the TTRA for assistance.
This, according to Oditt, will be done by the Ministry of Sport with assistance from the Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall.
Oditt said the GHRA and the Minister have been involved in some very fruitful meetings over the past few days, hence, Loregnard was invited to get a first-hand look at the state of horse racing in Guyana.
In brief remarks, Loregnard said he is very pleased to be a part of the team to be invited to assist the GHRA in getting its house in order.
He said he is very pleased to see that the GHRA is trying with the sport and once certain things are done there can be exchange programmes between the two countries’ trainers, jockeys and horses.
Loregnard said he was at the Port Mourant Turf Club on Sunday and witnessed the Guyana Cup and is very impressed with what he saw “There’s great passion for the sport here and when I get back home, Mr Oditt will write my association requesting assistance and I’ll move from there,”. The Trinidadian stated.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC) Conrad Plummer who also made brief remarks said the NSC will be pleased to assist the GHRA to get its act together and the Commission once again welcomes the GHRA into the fold.
Dr Anthony said he is happy to have the meeting with the GHRA, the NSC and Loregnard since his ministry knows where horse racing is at the moment in Guyana and the officials have a vision of where they want to go.
The minister said he visited race tracks in Trinidad and Tobago and is very impressed with them.
He told Loregnard that he (Anthony) is pleased that he (Loregnard) has offered his assistance and is very pleased to get a meeting with him and he is hopeful that something good will come out of it.

(By Michael DaSilva)