SVREL using break to upgrade facilities at the Park

Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL) chairman Solomon Sharpe says that while inactivity at Caymanas Park as a result of the coronavirus pandemic is not ideal, it will allow for renovations to the facility that will improve operations once racing is resumed.

There has been no horse racing at Caymanas Park since SVREL shut down operations indefinitely on March 21 in accordance with the Government’s implementation of the Disaster Risk Management Order to combat the spread of the virus in Jamaica. In a release from the company on Friday, Sharpe said that the current closure does present a chance to upgrade the facilities in order to offer a better race day experience as soon as the situation improves.

“We are ensuring that we protect and improve our beloved Caymanas Park. We see this time as an opportunity, and we are making improvements to our internal systems, upgrading our stables and implementing long-awaited renovations to the Jockeys’ Room during the period,” Sharpe said. “SVREL stands committed to making our race days more exciting and engaging once we resume normal operations.”

Previously, race days on March 17 and 21 were held without fans or owners in keeping with the Government’s restrictions on mass gatherings.

STRICT HEALTH PROTOCOLS

According to SVREL, they have been working closely with the police, the local municipality, in the interim, ensuring that the restrictions placed by the Government are enforced and also ensuring the well-being of the horses that are housed at the facility. Currently, the track is open only to licensed personnel, with strict health protocols observed when entering the grounds. Maintenance of the track and stables is still being performed as well as the sanitising of the property daily to protect the horses and personnel.

SVREL general manager Lorna Gooden says that the measures being put in place reiterate their desire to safeguard the horse-racing fraternity at large.

“We are doing everything we can to protect our Caymanas community. We have a duty to care for our employees, and we want to provide as safe an environment as possible for our stakeholders who use the premises,” she said. “We are also concerned about the safety and well-being of our off track betting retailers, and, of course, our punters, who we miss dearly.”