Grange defends decision to hold local horse racing with spectators during pandemic

Local horse racing stakeholders continue to come under fire for the resumption of the sport, with spectators, since last year June.

However, the Minister of Sport, Olivia “Babsy” Grange is defending that decision, noting that while horse racing is not under her ministry, it is unique in its operations. 

Meanwhile, Minister Grange says for now, no spectators will be allowed at other sporting venues. With the exception of horse racing, only the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) was allowed to have spectators at the National Championships held at the National Stadium this summer.

However, the JAAA decided against accommodating the up to 5000 spectators for the four day event, noting that all arrangements could not be implemented in time.

Despite vaccinated spectators being admitted in sporting venues across the world, Minister Grange, who was speaking on Tuesday on Hitz 92 FM's Sports Grill, said Jamaica is not at that point yet.