Too many chiefs in horse racing

As the debate continues over which is the greatest evil — The Betting Levy Board (BLB), The Trinidad and Tobago Racing Authority (TTRA), the Bookmakers Association of Trinidad and Tobago (BATT) and the Arima Race Club (ARC) — it is still uncertain whether any are worth the legs they stand on. The Betting Levy Board is an unknown quantity, their powers appear on paper to be far too widespread and could be counter-productive in a secular industry where they appear to have the same leader for too long. If they do evolve, as seems likely given their immense power over racing, it may be tough times ahead for anyone from the Arima Race Club who opposes their views.

Perhaps the most disturbing of several facets of the control over racing is that there are too many bodies controlling one sport, each apparently with its own agenda. We all understand checks and balances in a sport where money is easily available from the betting public, but too much of anything is not good. What of the composition of the boards of several of these racing bodies? And it is a board, not a bore. A lot of the current members are themselves given to long-winded expressions. There is too much politics in their appointment and that causes a lot of friction and divides more than unites. The fact that this sport is perceived to be under the Ministry of Trade and Industry, does not help, because the minister is never at races regularly enough to know what is going on. And if he relies on reports from those he has appointed, then he may be lulled in a sense of false security. Any minister should be aware of the territory that he controls and his portfolio must not always be crowded that he knows not of what he is supposed to monitor. A change is needed in this regard, but please do not expect one.

The last minister under the previous Government was charged by many with too much interference, and while there may be some justification, at least he was involved in the sport in some way. Perhaps both the BLB and the TTRA need to be more transparent and instead of hiding behind a Government shield. They should face the public glare and scrutiny of the people, who incidentally will either allow horse racing to live or die. It is time that we forgot egotistical habits and worry about the general good. Most of the current officials have been involved in racing in the Arima Race Club (ARC), but  their well-documented infighting has tarnished the image of the Sport of Kings. Some fresh independent faces, as the (dare I say it) the old Jim Davis Task Force Report recommended are  needed but would still present problems. Perhaps the bookmakers are aware that their product is also experiencing slow times and are presently adopting strategies to correct their deficiencies.

But nobody really knows. Many of their betting shops are still crowded late at night. Surely it is not an  economically deprived business. At the moment, nobody likes monopolies in any form. The bookmakers have an unfair hold on horse racing, but at the same time at least the betting public is aware of the odds, and of their returns, particularly on place and show betting. So what is needed is a compromise. All parties need to come off their high ground and attempt to work together. We need to create a national brand for horse racing to raise awareness, improve image and encourage participation. Perhaps as well, we need to include customer relations within any overall marketing mix. Foremost, the industry must be customer driven. Additional and ongoing consumer research must be done to determine specific messages, media channels and other pertinent marketing challenges. Perhaps as well, we need to address, what sort of remuneration packages will be paid to the staff of the Arima Race Club and the Trinidad and Tobago Racing Authority and if any at all should be paid.

The real world, in which too few of us exist, suggests that adequately  paid  personnel, give high quality service . Perhaps as well, we need to be aware of the current staff of the Arima Race Club and what should be done where we have people over sixty years in positions which have outgrown them. Yes, they have served a purpose and age should not be a factor, but when they allow themselves to be easily swayed by others and are annoyed when people speak out about their deficiencies and the treatment to grooms and handlers, then they need a swift kick up the butt.

The new president has had enough time to address this situation and it is time to make changes where necessary. The boys club that is the Arima Race Club management team, needs to be dissolved. There are many excellent businessmen on this committee, but how much time do they have to contribute to racing, given their busy schedules? These and other legal questions need to be properly examined and considered before any rash and headstrong emotional decision is taken. While others have businesses to fall back on, those who really matter in horse racing have no such alternative or luxury as they say in the southland. Perhaps, just maybe perhaps, we all need to take a step backward and have a quiet rethink.

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