URTA, SVREL to meet today on purse increase
Published:Wednesday | July 7, 2021 | 12:12 AMRobert Bailey/Gleaner Writer -
The United Racehorse Trainers Association of Jamaica (URTA) will meet with horse-racing promoters Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL) over the issue of a purse increase today.
A $100-million purse increase was last made in 2017 when SVREL took over the operations at Caymanas Park.
However, trainer Ian Parsard, who has been leading talks for an increase on behalf of the stakeholders, said with the rising cost of horse maintenance, it is only right that they receive an increased purse.
"It has been four years since we have received one, so, personally, I think an increase is overdue," he said. "The pressure right now is for an immediate increase because the cost has gone up drastically and we have put that position in writing to SVREL and document the level of increases that have taken place since 2017."
Parsard said that he is hoping that events will go in favour of all involved so that the issue does not return.
"As per our MOU (memorandum of understanding) that we would have executed with SVREL, hopefully in the future, we would be able to execute on the basis in which we can have purses increasing without having to wait this extended period of time," he said.
SVREL General Manager Lorna Gooden said that the COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult to grant a purse increase. However, she said that SVREL is open for discussion on the matter today.
"As a result of the impact of the pandemic at this time last year, a memorandum of understanding was developed which included the method for the determination of purses as well as the necessary expenditures at the track," she said.
"As part of our ongoing commitment to an inclusive process of growth and development, we will be engaging the representatives of all stakeholders, that is owners, trainers, jockeys, and grooms in follow-up discussions.
"These discussions will include but not be limited to, the status of our operations, the further development of the racing facility, and the timing of activities for which fixed commitments have been made.
"We will also be discussing the factors that must be taken into consideration before a decision on a purse increase can be made. We have no doubt that the meeting will be productive, and we will come away with a cohesive way forward that will be a win for all parties."