?Shortly before Christmas, the local horse racing fraternity lost a vital link to the future of the industry with the sad passing of Bernard Dulal-Whiteway, a friend of many and an inspiration to all privileged to cross his path during his 63 years of life. Bernard was a high profile owner, breeder and administrator but I always thought his most important role was that of leader and visionary–a take charge guy–who used his many networks to advantage thus ensuring the industry made progress. He possessed impressive business acumen and was known for his ideas and ability to conceptualize and strove to be "in front" the crowd with his risk-taking such as exploring and opening up the Jamaican thoroughbred market. In the decade 1995 to 2005 it was Bernard and "Boboy" Maharaj who kept racing alive in their different ways. I first met Bernard 20 years ago, before centralisation at Santa Rosa Park, when I returned to Trinidad after living in Canada for 16 years and was made a member of the first Betting Levy Board (BLB). In that first hour, I could not help but be impressed with his charm, sophistication, intelligence and obvious enthusiasm for the sport and I like to think we "clicked" immediately and a close friendship developed.
When I joined the Neal and Massy Group, it was virtually impossible not to "bounce up" with Bernard several times a week and while we treated our business roles seriously, just about every meeting ended with a few minutes of "horse talk." On reflection, I cannot think of anyone who loved the thoroughbred more than Bernard and who looked forward more to a yearling sale whether in Afghanistan or Gasparee! When Bernard moved office from Morvant to Park Street, his office was two down from mine, and each time I heard his voice I trembled, as more often than not he would drop a pedigree on my desk with the words "tell me what you think". Bernard owned many horses by himself, in halves, thirds, quarters and larger syndicates which somehow he often talked me into putting together. Our biggest disaster was an American chestnut colt named RJPrince which involved sweet-talking about twenty "pals" to form a syndicate with Bernard convincing them that this horse was another "Secretariat".
We launched RJ in style with an official syndicate breakfast at Arima, arranged for a jockey–wearing the national colours of red, white and black– to ride him to the parade ring with cameras flashing and mile wide smiles beaming from all faces. Unfortunately, the new "Secretariat" broke all records for running slowly, and never won a penny, which caused me to wear a paper bag over my head for months while Bernard took it all as part of life. We both owned shares in a lovely two-year-old named Solar Eclipse, full of ability and promise, but coming around the turn into the homestretch, he broke both front legs and had to be destroyed. Bernard often said it was the first time anything in racing made him cry. Four of us also owned Baldski's Hero which won three good races and gave us a lot of pleasure before he "went wrong". One Saturday, Bernard asked me to look at some video he had of four horses he had purchased in Florida and wanted to syndicate. I selected a colt and said I would buy 25 per cent and find three other owners. The following week I got a call from BDW advising that someone else wanted to buy the same colt for himself, so as a friend, would I mind canceling our arrangement?
When I agreed, Bernard was so relieved, he told me that there was one filly left–which obviously no-one wanted –and he would generously let me buy 25 per cent and select her name. What a deal! As luck would have it, the horse I gave up turned out to be Virgin King which won 13 races, and the one I named Santa Rosa Girl was only slightly better than RJPrince (above). Bernard knew my love for good singing so he allowed me to name Baritone, and when I got tired of hearing him boast about the amazing inswingers he bowled for Queen's Park, I suggested he name his next horse Inswinger which he did and which gave him a lot of fun. However no horse meant more to Bernard than New Millenium, winner of the 2000 Derby and several other major races. The filly was born in 1997, and Bernard was so determined to name her as he did, he registered the name long in advance to prevent any other owner having a similar idea. Bernard never tired of singing her praises and kept a lovely photo of her in his office.
When New Millenium's first foal died, Bernard was filled with grief and disappointment. Of course, his other favourite was the Jamaican filly Swing By, whose story about having to miss the Derby is well known, but I think the manner in which Bernard managed his acute disappointment when many other owners would have burst a blood vessel in rage, showed the class and character of the man at his best and for which he will always be remembered. He was indeed a gentle man and a gentleman. One of Bernard's greatest joys was to have his son Graeme take an interest in horse racing. He told me often how proud he was of Graeme, and how much he enjoyed having Graeme share a lead in to the winner's circle with his Dad. It was only fitting that Bernard should have registered his second Derby winner Border Dispute in Graeme's name and so place another Dulal-Whiteway in the history books.
There are many other racing people who can give their own stories and memories of Bernard, far more interesting than mine. However, since Bernard was the most influential person in my last 20 years both at Neal and Massy and at the track, I feel I must pay a simple and sincere public racing tribute to a man the like of whom we will not see again in the near future. BDW was one of a handful of people who strongly supported me as I tried to assist the jockeys over the years, while others repeatedly assured me I was wasting my time. He was especially fond of Ricky Jadoo. Truly, Bernard Dulal-Whiteway walked with kings and never forgot the common man. He was a man for all seasons. Farewell my friend and thanks for the many memories–it was a privilege and pleasure knowing you and you will not be forgotten. May you rest in peace with your God.
