… as legislation looms

THE horse racing fraternity in Guyana extends gratitude after a progress report on the sport of horse racing was announced by Minister of Culture Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr. at last Friday’s press briefing – revealing that legislation to regulate the sport of horse racing has been completed.

It is evident that progress always comes with a price. However, the reality of legislation in horse racing becoming law, sparked interest of disbelief which led to an attack by dysfunctional parties to lash out with the intention to derail progress.

Minister Ramson hinted that legislation will be tabled in Parliament in a matter of months.

The Minister’s disclosure unmasked detractors, who attempted to ‘rein in’ stakeholders warning, “Wait, and don’t get carried away” in sections of the media on Sunday last.
This announcement also illustrated that democracy, and freedom of speech are alive, and well.

The ‘storied’ misrepresentation of the truth reported prominent horse owners are not racing horses in their homeland, but in Jamaica. And the sport is littered with racing woes such as disputes, conflict of interest and threat to boycott.

Javed Ali, who races under Slingerz Racing Stable and is a proud horse racing stakeholder in Guyana, said: “Apparently these people are wiser than us, or better informed. We have everything to lose if we boycott the sport. If they want to get out, don’t align us with such damaging statements. We already entered our horses to compete at Rising SunTurf Club (RSTC) on Sunday, January 28, 2024. The season got off to a resounding start on New Year’s Day. Actually horsemen are asking for more race days. We are thankful promoters are spending their money to bring horse racing entertainment, not only for horse owners, but the people of the country.”

Javed Ali, whose racing outfit was mentioned racing in Jamaica explained, “Firstly I have to compliment Sports Minister Charles Ramson for starting the process to regulate horse racing in Guyana, and the confidence he has in the future of the sport.”

Ali explained his reasons for also competing outside Guyana. “Slingerz Racing Stable is no part of any alliance or anything against racing in Guyana. We are in Jamaica and Brazil for our own reasons. We are 100% with the Guyana horse racing industry. We want to see it grow. We are in full support of it in any way possible. So we are no part of any alliance with anybody seeking otherwise.”

Jeremy Rajpaul racing as Night Eyes also cleared the air on his position, and declared, “I choose to race in Jamaica. I also choose to race at Gulfstream Park (Florida). I also choose to race horses in Guyana. I choose to race horses in Canada. I just choose to race horses; whether it is Guyana or elsewhere. As everyone knows, I was born into horse racing in Guyana. So Guyana will always be a special place for horse racing. It is where my roots are. Horse racing is just a different game in Guyana. I was fortunate to race in different parts of the world. There is nothing like racing in Guyana. There is so much more fun. The fun factor is just that alone. Might be a little bias as I am Guyanese. ”

The respected Auntie Chan Kennard advised: “Promoters should stop fooling people, and rather unifying the sport to the benefit of all, and not just a few.”

Responding in unison to Auntie Chan’s findings one promoter declared, “She is a doyen. We will maintain our continued respect for such an outstanding citizen, and horse lover.”

The country’s prominent promoters of the sport advised, “We do not classify anyone, only horses. Nor divide to rule. We have the greatest respect for everyone. We welcome any suggestion/s from auntie Chan to improve the sport, and any other party who is willing to come on board to promote the sport, or guide us. No one has been turned back at any of the track where we have promoted the sport.”

They added: “It is the first time an award ceremony to recognise excellence in horsemen and equine athletes was hosted. It is the first time legislation to regulate the sport is being done after a very long while. We are doing this for the country. Not for any praise or any form of gains. Actually we lose money, but this is our way of giving back to the country.”

“Those who believe that their mental acrobats could dissuade us, and bring down the sport, we will welcome them with respect; not disdain,” they advised. “Horse racing is not a one horse race. Horse racing is a team sport, and a sport that you never stop learning. We are willing to accept experience if shared in the interest of the country and the sport. We beg of those who are seeking attention to drop their weight bag. We can help them have their character, and their racing colours gain respect on the race tracks.”

One of the promoters questioned, “Isn’t Guyana Cup the second biggest sporting event in our country behind the Caribbean Premier League (CPL)? It brings the country to a halt. If the record proves us right, then whose character comes into question?”

The next race day in Guyana is billed for January 28 at Rising Sun Turf Club, West Coast Berbice.