‘Greatest the world has ever seen’

CHAIRMAN OF the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC), Clovis Metcalfe,has described the late horse-racing commentator and administrator, Chris Armond, as one of the “greatest horse-racing commentators” the world has ever seen.

Armond, who worked as a horse-racing administrator for more than four decades, died at the University of the West Indies Hospital from a heart attack yesterday morning. He would have been 67 in July.

Armond was working as the chairman of the JRC’s In and Out committee at the time of his death.

Armond spent his entire working career in the horse-racing industry in Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago. He was inducted into the Jamaica Racing Commission’s Hall of Fame in 2017 and, in 1993, was the recipient of the Caymanas Track Limited’s Chairman’s Award.

“He was a legend in his time and he is one of the, if not the greatest, horse-racing commentators the world has ever seen,” said Metcalfe.

“He will be greatly missed by all but no one is irreplaceable, but he is close to being irreplaceable,” he said.

“There is no doubt that horse racing has lost one of its pioneers, one of its most innovative sons and one who will forever be remembered for his deep and passionate love of horse racing,” Metcalfe said.

Armond retired from his job as director of racing at the promoting company, Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL), in December 2020.

Chairman of SVREL Solomon Sharpe said his organisation was especially saddened by Armond’s passing because the racing industry has lost an icon.

“I have many fond memories of working with Chris from the early days, and was always impressed by his vast knowledge,” said Sharpe.

“He has done so much for Caymanas Park and the horse-racing industry in general. I offer my condolences to his family and friends. He will be greatly missed,” he said.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

“Armond has left an indelible legacy in the sport of horse racing. His accomplishments are insurmountable and his contribution to the sport will never be diminished. Our thoughts are with his family and dear friends during this difficult time,” Sharpe stated.

Armond was from horse-racing stock. His father, Joseph, a Hall of Fame inductee, was co-managing director of Caymanas Park Limited, and his grandfather, Altamont, was the founder of the promoting company, Jamaica Turf Club.

Armond would also receive the Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) Golden Microphone Award for his commentaries in 1984.

robert.bailey@gleanerjm.com