Jamaica Racing Commission to Temporarily Suspend Application of Rule 44

The abandonment of races under Rule 44 at Caymanas Park is to be temporarily suspended and a review be done.

That’s one of the agreements reached during a high level meeting between Finance Minister Dr. Nigel Clarke and over 50 stakeholders of the horse racing industry at Heroes Circle today.

In the interim the JRC will develop a program of dissuasive fines to disincentive late starts with clear rules on the application of said fines…..

The promoter and other industry stakeholders have also agreed to make every effort to improve the punctuality of races, with the understanding that delayed starts pose a health risk to jockeys and potentially affect the health of the horses.

Two races were abandoned this past weekend caused by what chief steward Antione Nembhard said was a violation of the newly implemented rule where no race shall go off later than five minutes after the advertised post time without the steward’s permission.

Dr. Clarke says further recommendations will follow as they seek to accelerate the development of the local horse racing industry.

Dr. Nigel Clarke, Minister of Finance.