Live racing resumes at Caymanas Park on Saturday, November 15, following the devastating passage of Category 5 Hurricane Melissa, which particularly affected western Jamaica. This marks the first race meeting since Saturday, October 25.
Executive Chairman of the promoting company, Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL), Solomon Sharpe, emphasised the importance of returning horses to competitive action. He noted that horse racing is part of a vast ecosystem that supports not only professionals (trainers, jockeys, and grooms) but also thousands of others whose livelihoods depend on live racing and its associated commercial activities.
In an interview with Quickgallopja.com ahead of the resumption of racing, Sharpe outlined SVREL’s direction and the challenges faced.
QUICKGALLOPJA.COM (QG) – What was the impact of Hurricane Melissa on your operations?
SOLOMON SHARPE (SS) – We sustained some structural damage, primarily to five stables, which we are currently repairing. Damaged rails have already been replaced, and debris cleared. If you observe morning exercise over the past week and a half, you’ll see over 300 horses consistently completing their scheduled workouts. So, while the structural damage was relatively limited, the financial impact has been significant, particularly from the suspension of our live racing product and the simulcast of overseas races.
QG – Elaborate on the extent of the losses?
SS – We operate more than 100 Offtrack Betting Parlours (OTBs) across Jamaica. Due to the widespread disruption caused by Hurricane Melissa, we lost approximately 40 per cent of our OTBs. Although simulcast services resumed quickly at unaffected locations, the loss of nearly half our network has severely impacted our cash flow. For three consecutive days, our operations were brought to a standstill due to a loss of electricity. This disruption was not a minor inconvenience, it was a significant event that reverberated across every aspect of our business and the wider commercial community. The clean-up operations, reconstruction efforts, and emergency measures demanded immediate and substantial investment. Beyond the physical damage, the downtime itself translated into a direct loss of income. With operations halted, productivity ceased, and opportunities were forfeited. The cumulative impact of these factors has forced us to absorb costs amounting to approximately $100 million with assessment not yet complete. This figure represents real financial strain, diverted resources, and the erosion of stability for both our enterprise and the broader commercial system. With the return of live racing, SVREL is committed to aiding the national recovery effort, not only by revitalising activity at Caymanas Park but also by stimulating business across the island through our operational OTBs. We are also focused on regaining lost financial ground.
QG – Are you satisfied with the response from the racing community to the Saturday (Nov 15) and Sunday (Nov 16) race meetings?
SS – Absolutely. We are very pleased. On Saturday, we have 103 horses nominated across nine races, and on Sunday, over 100 horses are entered in ten races. Sunday is a marquee day on our calendar, featuring the Grade One Jamaica Cup, the Grade One Port Royal Sprint, and the St Elizabeth Distaff for fillies and mares at the Overnight Allowance level. Importantly, the winners of the Jamaica Cup and the Port Royal Sprint will earn automatic qualification for the Mouttet Mile in December.
