Racing at Caymanas Park suspended indefinitely

Horse racing has become the latest local sport to be hit by the ban on public gatherings arising from fears over the spread of the Covid 19 coronavirus in Jamaica. The Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC), the regulatory body for the sport, has suspended racing at Caymanas Park indefinitely until further notice.

Stakeholders had a meeting at the track on Thursday morning and had agreed that this weekend's meets on Saturday and Sunday could go ahead as scheduled. However, that decision was later over-ruled by the JRC.

“This is out of an abundance of caution; we are following the policy set by the Government which is discouraging mass gatherings and in the interest of people, we do believe that life is more important than sports,” said JRC chairman Metcalfe.

Metcalfe added that it would still be risky to stage racing without punters being present at the track as there would still be the presence of jockeys, trainers, owners, grooms, officials and staff members of the promoting company, Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited in attendance. 10 race cards were scheduled for this Saturday and Sunday.