KINGSTON, Jamaica – The dispute involving the stakeholders in the horse racing industry and the promoting company, Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL) continues despite meetings held yesterday (Monday, July 17, 2023).
The first of two meetings held yesterday involved the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA) and the promoting company, Supreme Ventures Racing And Entertainment Limited (SVREL). That meeting is covered by Quickgallop.com in a separate article on the website.
Head of the United Racehorse Trainers' Association of Jamaica (URTAJ), Patrick Smellie confirmed that he met with members.
“We had a lively meeting with several trainers airing their views. The solidarity among the trainers was amazing; we are united in our cause to get an increase we can live with in order to survive.
“The purse increase offer of $27 million made by SVREL is totally unacceptable, as inflation has caused a steep increase in our operating costs, making it extremely difficult, almost impossible, for us as trainers, to survive.
“We strongly believe there still remains an anomaly in the numbers given to us by SVREL when we signed the deed in July of last year.
“The trainers are saying that we have to sit down with the promoter and answers given to us regarding our queries about the figures given to us.
“With no concrete answer coming our way, we have decided to not nominate today (Tuesday, July 18),” Smellie said.
4 Responses
WHO WILL BEND OR WHO WILL BREAK.. PROMOTERS TAKE MY FOOLISH ADVICE, CUT SUNDAY RACING AND MAKE ITTHE SATURDAY ONLY THING.LET IT BE A 12 RACE CARD PROGRAMME ,EXPECT OVER 175 NOMINATIONS EVERY TIME FOR A FEAST OF RACING
Racing will continue without the United race horse association and i know will be better without them. I certainly wound not use a trainer that is a part of that association. Inflation affects every sector in Jamaica, not nominating horses is very stupid to put it mildly, how does that help anyone? I guess your association will not collect any trainers fee for the affected period. I am wondering now how stupid can any one get? It wold have been so much better if they had nominated horses and continue to lobby with the promoting company.
Thanks for your comments.
Does the United Racehorse Association ever consider for a moment, how much profit is made from local racing? After the percentage that is taken out to pay purses can the balance pay all the overheads that is connected to local racing. Why cant you work with the promoter to find ways of cutting back on some of the overheads or finding new way of generating new income. Electricity and security are two major overheads, what can you do to help to cut back on those overheads?