KINGSTON, Jamaica - Patrick Smellie, president of the United Racehorse Trainers’ Association of Jamaica (UTRAJ), has expressed displeasure with his colleagues who nominated horses for live racing this weekend after the association chose not to nominate in response to the promoting company’s offer of a $27-million purse increase.
Following a meeting with members of his association on Monday (July 17), Smellie stated that they were going to withhold nominations again if Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL) did not increase their purse offer. Further Smellie said that he was not aware of any new development regarding their demand for a larger purse increase.
“Nothing has changed between us and SVREL, and I am very disappointed that some trainers decided to nominate their horses,“ the trainers’ president said.
“We are fighting for something for the benefit of all grooms, trainers, owners, and horsemen at Caymanas Park. Never in the history of Caymanas Park [have] we had so many people together.
“To say that I am disappointment is an understatement, but the good thing is that we made a statement and we made a stand, and we have observed the myopic thinking of the promoters and some of these trainers,” Smellie added.
“So we are here, we are going to gather again and have a meeting to see where we move from here because if they (some trainers) want to race for a 3.5 per cent increase, then they can do so.
“I am thanking all the trainers and owners that stood up and fought for the cause because those other four races could have been filled if these guys didn’t stand up and fight for what they believe in.
“If you notice, most of those races have three and four by one person. They are trying to prove a point. They are going to lose money,” Smellie ended.
8 Responses
Disappointed in you is a understatement. Racing will be better without you, clearly you dont have a clue what is happening at caymanas park. Supreme Ventures has been doing so much to build racing from the very first year to date, the profit from local racing is nothing, but they have a vision which you clearly want to destroy. You know whats funny, if supreme ventures concentrate on simulcast racing they would generate a profit which is what we all go in business for, we all need returns on our investment. So why local racing? Mr. President I would not want you to represent me not even to get a dollar. I dont think you know how you are viewed by majority of racing punters but anyway why you dont quit, racing was for the sports of Kings. Caymanas park over the years before supreme ventures was know for its monetary problems (payment of taxes and purse monies) i guess you did not know that. Supreme ventures is on the right path please move off the track.
Raphael do you own a horse? Are you a trainer or groom or jockey? If no, what is your reason for siding with svrel? Have you seen analyze the final sheets and believe that the $27 is adequate to address all the other stakeholders? If no, please share your evidence and reason to cast shame on this gentleman.
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Mr. Daley the $27 million is an increase in purse over the previous year that svrel is providing. The stakeholders i assumed by now would have see the annual report and i am sure if you are interested you can see it. When you do, you can do your analysis. Caymanas park is not a profitable venture at this time but the vision of svrel gives a lot of hope. Just do your analysis of the amount of gross revenue that is collected (that is after payment to winners) Do your own analysis and tell us all if you think more can be offered at this time. The overheads are high especially security and electricity please remember the complex has to be maintained not just on race days but 24 hrs every day. Please Mr. Daley do your analysis and let us all know who is unreasonable or if supreme ventures can do better.
You don’t have a voice here, let the owners, trainers and grooms decide their racing future
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Yes they are going to looses money by nominating their horses and you are going to gain money by not nominating any horses KMT. Are you going to pay the owners that had horses that were ready to race but you decide not to race them or are those owners required to pay trainers fee? Just dont add up.
Mr satchell you have hit the nail on the head bulls eye one word to describe him and a few others sabotage campaign svl must do everything in a few short years if they have money issues get out of racing then