JRC welcomes increase in licensees

Chairman of the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC) Clovis Metcalfe says that 95 per cent of racing personnel are now licensed and insured ahead of this weekend’s resumption of racing at Caymanas Park.

Metcalf told The Gleaner that the licences and insurance policies of many of the trainers, jockeys, owners, grooms, and stable assistants had expired on March 31 and, therefore, he was very happy that most of them had renewed their documents.

“I am feeling great about this because it means that we all have a commitment to racing, and we are sharing the responsibilities in the racing industry,” said Metcalfe.

“I believe that it is a good move for the racing industry because I think that the stakeholders now understand that the insurance is for their own personal self and their families, and the commission (JRC) doesn’t get a penny out of the insurance money,” he added.

Metcalf underlined that the insurance policy was made possible after his organisation received a 35 per cent discount from Sagicor Insurance Company.

“This came at a perfect time for us because especially with racing set to resume on Saturday, we want to ensure that everyone is qualified to be on property,” he stated.

Racing at Caymanas Park has been on lockdown since March 21 as the Government moved to control the stem of the outbreak of the coronavirus disease in the country.

Metcalf noted that anticipation was high ahead of this weekend’s race day, noting that they had received a large number of entries going into the meet.

“The support for this weekend’s race meet is overwhelming because we have almost over 160 entries. While we had planned for eight races, we could add an additional three races to Saturday’s race day,” he said.

Ryan Darby, president of the United Racehorse Trainers Association, believes that the high percentage of licensed and insured stakeholders is a major positive for the industry.

“The insurance is important whether races are running or not, and it is always good to have it because if you drop down on the streets, this insurance still covers you the same way,” said Darby.

“It is also good that everybody is licensed so that we can manage the plant properly and restrict unlicensed persons from entering the plant,” he added.