Finance Minister Dr Nigel Clarke says he has reached an agreement with stakeholders in the Horse Racing Industry following concerns raised by stakeholders regarding amendments to the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC) racing rules.

Clarke on Thursday, May 2, met with over 50 stakeholders of the horse racing industry, including jockeys, grooms, trainers, owners, breeders, veterinarians, horse care personnel, directors and management of Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited Management, Commissioners from the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC) among others.

The JRC recently made amendments to rule 44 of its 1977 racing rules, which notes that once a post-time has been made official, the race can be abandoned by the race day stewards if the starters do not press the start button within five minutes following post-time.

Several stakeholders have raised concerns about this rule adjustment and have called on the government to intervene.

“The purpose of the meeting is to discuss recent developments with a view to maintaining an environment that is conducive to the stability and growth of the horse racing industry,” Clarke said.

The agreements were as follows:

(1) The promoter and other industry stakeholders will make every effort to improve the punctuality of races. Delayed starts pose a health risk to jockeys. Delays also have the potential to adversely affect the health of horses.

(2) The Abandonment of races as a measure has the effect of collective punishment with unintended consequences. Jockeys, grooms, owners, trainers, punters, fans, promoters and the Government are all impacted. The JRC will review the newly instituted Rule 44 which boldens stewards to abandon races and will suspend its application for now. In the interim, the JRC will develop a program of dissuasive fines that disincentive late starts with clear rules on the application of such fines.

(3) Over the next thirty (30) days, the respective parties will renegotiate the Deed among them that addresses the calculation of amounts allocated to purses and the distribution of such amounts.

(4) On the signing of a renegotiated Deed, Clarke will appoint a Task Force to review the horse racing industry and make recommendations for an acceleration of its development.