First nominations for the St James Stakes and St Anns Stakes were recently announced and they display a never before seen an extremely low number of first subscriptions.
Nine first nominations for St James and six for the St Anns suggest that both races may have to be cancelled come December 26 (Boxing Day).
In the history of early nominations, such a low subscription is unprecedented and represents a sure sign that the breeding industry is in significant decline and that, as a result of the continued decline in the local racing industry, investment in new racing stock is also at a low.
Of the 15 horses entered for the two classics, eight are bred in Jamaica with the remaining seven bred in T&T. The sign of the times is also represented by the fact that the first two juvenile races of the season were won by a horse bred in T&T.
Since the centralization of racing and the emergence of Jamaican-bred horses, it has been almost unheard of for a Trinidad-bred animal to get the better of their Jamaican-bred even with the generous weight allowance usually received.
While many would like to believe that it could represent an improvement in the local breed, it is equally likely that the quality of the Jamaican being purchased now is much lower than that previously purchased. The latter is not surprising given the significant decline in prize monies over the last three years.
The decline in prize money can be summed up by looking at the fortunes of the Derby over the last four years. In 2018, the total purse for the Derby amounted to 300,000, in 2017, the total purse was 350,000 in 2016, and it was 400,000, while in 2015 it was 500,000.
In four years, the prize money for the Derby has declined by 40 per cent and this trend is likewise reflected in every other stake and minor event contested over the last four years.
With the decline witnessed in prize money, almost all sectors of the industry have been affected. The trainers and jockeys who rely on their percentage share of winnings have witnessed a 40 per cent decline in the income over that time.
The owners who rely on the prize money to meet expenses and to reinvest in racing stock have also witnessed a decline which would no doubt influence their reinvestment in the sport.
Besides the decline in earnings, owners have also experienced significant delays in receipt of monies won by the horses. The delay in payment of proceeds from a day’s winning reached unearned of levels during this present racing season, with payments being as much as 10 racing days behind.
One of the unexpected negatives arising out of the decline in purses and the delays in payment is an increased tendency for owners and other horse connections to focus more on what could be earned through gambling proceeds than earnings. The former is guaranteed and immediate and the lure would be irresistible to many.
As a result, it will become increasingly important that the racing stewards pay very close attention of every race contested to ensure that all horses are competing on their merits. It would be too easy for anything untoward to occur if the Stewards are not vigilant.
Another consequence of the decline in purses is the significant decline in the quality of the local racing. On any given race day, at least half of the races framed are for horses rated 45 and lower and maidens. This fairly low quality of competition has resulted in a significant decline in interest in local racing as more turfites turn their attention to American racing, which occurs at the same time as the local racing.
It is this switch in interest that has made the ability of the Arima Race Club (ARC) to simulcast US racing critical to its survival. Punters will always have the option of the local betting shops as an alternative to the ARC or its outlets.
To some extent, the ARC is contributing to the cannibalization of the local industry but in all likelihood, this is more out of necessity than preference.
There is no easy solution to the many challenges confronting the industry but whatever happens, it is essential that racing confront these challenges with a united stance. Sadly, even this seems out of the grasp of the ARC.