Are the training methods too harsh or are the horses of inferior quality?

In October 2001, there were approximately 280 horses in training.

The then chief executive officer Chris Armond blamed this for the paucity of entries on the two days following the Trinidad Derby.

He admitted then that, “we have to check everything, including speed ratings and other aspects so we can properly frame races for the future.”

Sadly, this has not materialised and today, four years after, we have gone full circle, with racing facing the same problems despite the yeoman efforts of certain administrators.

What is the answer?

Jockeys, grooms and exercise lads are migrating. Owners are either quitting or reducing the number of horses they own.

The story with the trainers is different.

They are quitting.

Not one of the top-ten trainers relies solely on training for a livelihood.

Could this be the reason?

In May 1999, the new administration of racing led by Derrick Chin inherited a $12 million dollar loss.

By the end of l999 that figure was reduced to $8.5 million dollars.

At the end of 2000, racing suffered a $2 million loss and up to October 2001 was breaking even.

For the first four months of 2005 the Arima Race Club (ARC) was behind in payments to owners of winning horses to the tune of $1 million.

This debt was eventually settled through the timely intervention of the Betting Levy Board (BLB) who now controls the funding of payment of stakes to owners.

But the story does not end there.

One really wonders what is the true state of the finances of the ARC. What is the position compared with October 2001? The present administration has been praised for being responsible for turning around the fortunes of racing.

Is this really so?

There is only one derelict water truck working so the track is insufficiently watered. This is certainly not good for the horses.

The grass track is hard and bumpy.

There are no inside rails on the small track.

The “paved” area of the paddock is inundated with ever increasing numbers of potholes which are injurious to horses and persons alike.

The groom stand is in dire need of repairs for years now and is an unsightly spectacle but who cares?

There is talk that another stand is going to be constructed.

Is this really necessary?

But there are some positive signs going on, for example, there are two new barns being built that are almost near to completion.

There are also some success stories in the industry.

Humming Bird Farm seems to be one such. This facility was once an eyesore but it has now been beautifully transformed and really enhances the approach to the racetrack.

Betting has also been reported to have increased by 20 per cent. However, these few positives can easily be diminished by the negative impact of the exodus of jockeys, grooms and exercise lads.

There are a few more success stories.

One farm in particular continues to dominate the yearling sales.

One trainer continues to be champion on an annual basis.

I am certain that these persons will one day volunteer their time and talents to the ARC.

Transformation of racing is the only solution.

Turfites have been arguing what would have been the position of the ARC if there was no BLB funding?

The government has been pumping close to $12 million a year in the racing industry through the BLB from the l0 per cent betting taxes collected and the sport has remained at a standstill.