New stand for Santa Rosa Park

Following a press conference at the centralised racing facility on Wednesday last, Ferreira outlined his plans for the 2006 local racing season.

"In 2006, we have the new stand that’s going to be built in the dry season and we’re hoping that we would have our Government supporting our industry in terms of our rationalisation plan, giving us a capital grant, giving us an extension of our moratorium so that we can re-finance this industry, to put it on a footing to give confidence to the owners," the former Mayor of San Fernando said.

"It’s the owners that really grow this industry because without horses, we’re nothing. And the only way we’re going to get horses is by having owners," Ferreira continued.

The top cycling coach also serves as chairman of the Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago (SPORTT).

"Once the owners see an increase in stakes, new things happening, more entertainment, I think that we would see the return of horse-racing to the glory days," he said. He described the 2005 season as "great".

"It was, in fact, the best season we’ve had for a long time," added the former San Fernando Mayor. "Boxing Day crowned it off and we’re expecting 2006 to start just as good."

He noted that the ARC continued to grow. "From our point of view, not just in revenue but in terms of the quality of horses, the quantity of horses, and the number of new owners," he said.

Ferreira was proud of the fact the yearling sales exceeded expectations and the supply could not meet the demand. "That’s a good sign, in the sense that there were a number of new owners that were looking to buy new horses.

"I have to say that 2006 looks very good for us," he added. "Once we start to upgrade and people see our commitment to the industry I think the industry, once again, will return to an industry that we’ll all be proud of."