Howard Hamilton
RECENTLY WE have had a lot of comments on the recent increase granted to jockeys and also the grooms request for an increase in pay. As are most incidents in our racing industry simple matters become contentious because of egos and our inability to be flexible.
The case of the jockeys is quite simple - they need and desire an adjustment in their riding fees. Riding fees are paid by owners and it is with them that the decision should be as to what level of adjustment should be made. The Racing Commission can act as brokers, while the trainers can offer their advice, but this should be the only role of these agencies.
While accepting that the jockeys should have an adjustment a reasonable compromise from the imbrogli that currently exists is that they should earn a minimum of J$1,000.00 per ride on a race day. They already earn 10 per cent for finishing first through sixth and my argument is that if the purse which they earn is less than J$1,000.00 then this should be topped up by the owners. This would seem to be the most equitable solution and although an additional burden on owners' we cannot have an industry where professionals are not recognised and paid accordingly.
The grooms are also restive and at the time of writing there would seem to be a breakdown in their discussion with the Trainers' Association. I see where the President of the Trainers' Association has put up his horses and gear for sale. This is nothing more than "grand standing". Vin Edwards is far too heavily involved in racing to leave it. His passion for the game is without comparison, so let us not pay any attention to his idle threat about selling out and leaving racing.
GROOMS
The grooms are employed by the trainers and it is right that their negotiations on the conditions of their employment be discussed with trainers. Trainers must realise, however, that in the final analysis, it is the owners who will have to bear the burden.
In my discussions with the newly elected president of the Grooms Association. Mr. Paul Pancho, he seemed to be very level headed and anxious to improve the quality of life of the grooms.
It is a problem, not only in Jamaica but generally that the workers in the "back stretch" are the least respected and recognised group of workers in the industry. We have gone a long way in recognising excellence in this area.
Grooms have been elected to the Hall of Fame and honoured at the None Such Awards functions. Not withstanding all that, their plight is not a healthy one. Their living conditions are atrocious - mainly due to their own behaviour. Something has to be done for them and I am encouraged by the quality of leadership which they now have.
Apart from some meaningful adjustment in their pay package - my suggestion is a discontinuation of the 5 per cent commission which currently benefits less than 10 per cent of the grooms and is unique to Jamaica, a flat fee of J$3,000.00 for the first horse, J$2,000.00 for the second horse and if a groom is capable of caring for a third horse then this should be at a flat rate of J$ 1,500.
Trainers should ensure that the maximum fee is only paid for horses that are racing. Laid up horses, yearlings etc. should be a second or preferably a third horse. They should be provided with suitable uniforms and be presentable at all times, particularly when leading out a horse on race days. They should at all times be properly identified. Security guards should frequently patrol the stables and eject anyone who is not properly
identified as being present legitimately. In the final analysis this all comes back on the shoulders of the owners. They should therefore have an important
contribution to the final decisions made.
SCREENING PROCESS
I fear that the situation with the grooms may not be amicable resolved in a timely manner for if the truth be told, a large percentage of trainers own their own horses and they are going to cry an inability to pay. If it is recognised that demands of the grooms are fair and reasonable then it is the Jamaica Racing Commission who will have to be much more vigilant in their screening process prior to licensing trainers and owners.
I recall in times gone by one had to have irrefutable evidence of their financial ability to meet the demands associated with the participation in the racing industry. This is not an activity that can be afforded by "poor people".
I have been pilloried for repeating this fact over and over - "racing is not for poor people" I don't want to hear any nonsense about squeezing out the "little man" Most of these so called "little man" are quite capable of pulling their weight in the industry. The problem is those who profile and don't have two "farthings" to knock together.
Maybe coming out of the realisation of a decent wage and conditions of work for the grooms will be the weeding out of those pretenders who can only bring disrepute to the industry.
Let us hope that good sense will prevail.
Howard l. Hamilton, C.D. J.P. is a former chairman of Caymanas Track Limited. He is the current president of Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association. He can be contacted at howham@cwjamaica.com.
