On August 26, president of the Arima Race Club (ARC) Robert Bernard stated that he was quietly confident that the 2021 'Triple Crown' of local racing will come off once racing re-starts in September.
However, should the pandemic not let up and the ARC is unable to get clearance until October then the 'Triple Crown' races will be contested beginning in October, November, with the prestigious final leg, the Trinidad Derby being run off on December 26 (Boxing Day).
Then the news broke last week that after a meeting of the Framing Committee of the ARC, there would be no 'Triple Crown' Series and that the Midsummer Classic, the second leg of the 'Triple Crown' was taken out the Classic Diary.
This move has brought a negative reaction from much of the racing fraternity including owners, trainers, jockeys and grooms.
With this in mind, Guardian Media Sports spoke with the chairman of the T&T Racing Authority (TTRA), Dr David Kangaloo who said, "For racing to be run in T&T, there is a monthly approval of the provisional programme by the TTRA and this is essential for racing to take place continuously. The ARC has the responsibility for obtaining that approval from the TTRA, which is chaired by Dr David Kangaloo.
"The TTRA regulates the horse racing industry and is not involved in the promotion of the sport, which is the sole responsibility of the ARC.
"At present, the TTRA must grant approval because the race day and the undertaking will vary against the rules of racing in this COVID-19 time. The TTRA has the power to amend the rules of racing as needed and has assisted the ARC during this time. They have assisted and facilitated racing which they have done continuously in the past."
Chairman of the TTRA - Dr Kangaloo When asked about the 'Triple Crown' issues, the TTRA chairman said, "I am not aware of any change in the Classic Diary. The board accepted the Classic Diary with the three races earlier this year and to date, we have received nothing for me to state that there is a change. The TTRA under my watch will not work on hearsay, we work with facts and if we are not in possession of such, we can do nothing. We will not get involved in something we know nothing of. The secretary of the TTRA has not received anything from the ARC requesting a change, nor has any member of the board stated anything about that matter. As of when we speak nothing has been communicated to the TTRA. Therefore from my perspective and that of the TTRA board the 'Triple Crown' will go on as approved."
President of the Racehorse Owners Association (ROA), Vishan Ali, who is also on the board of the TTRA has told Guardian Media Sports that he does not know of any change to the Classic Diary.
"I am not aware of any change, I have never been consulted about any change. I have heard that a meeting took place and a decision was taken but unfortunately, I was not a part of the discourse. As the president of the ROA, I am in the dark, which is not the place where I should be. But, it looks like things are being done without consultation but I am on The TTRA board and this change will be difficult to pass."
Nigel Amin, the owner/breeder of leading three-year-old Arsalan, is a very disappointed man. He said, "I hope this will not be done. I feel it for trainer Lester Alexis who has a golden opportunity to write his name in the annals of local racing history. Really, Alexis has never had a chance to train Classic horses in his career but has done a good job with Arsalan. Yes, this is his big chance, a chance for a small trainer to make his mark. This opportunity should not be taken away. Even I am feeling a bit hurt because I have the opportunity to own a 'Triple Crown' winner, which I bred. "
When trainer Lester Alexis was contacted, he was very upset at the fact that the ARC could be thinking of not holding the 'Triple Crown'. "We have been keeping this horse ticking over and keeping him sound for a chance to land the 'Triple Crown'. We have already lost the Breeders Triple Crown as the final race is off. I am hopeful that good sense will prevail and the Triple Crown Races be runoff," said Alexis.