Cliff Williams

For the preparation of the racing television programme, there are occasions when I work in the winners' enclosure interviewing the successful owners, trainers or jockeys at the end of each race.

This assignment has yielded valuable insight into how these persons view racing.

From observation, one gets a sense of the emotional satisfaction success brings and how the thrill of victory plays out.

Clearly, those connected to a winner can barely disguise the immense pleasure, and at times the celebrations range from the sublime to the bizarre, but in fairness, is well dignified for the most part.

I have not had the opportunity to look at the relevant section of the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC) racing rules recently, but I am sure it seeks to limit the number of persons authorised to enter the winners' enclosure after each race to seven or less.

On several occasions, I have witnessed more than twice that number posing for photographs.

However, I don't think there is really a serious problem with this as long as it is supervised to ensure that it is done safely.

Secrecy

Getting back to the interviews, I had a request denied by a trainer on one occasion and the reason given is that the owner would not wish to have inform-ation relating to the horse disclosed. If that is the owner's wish, then that is his right, but it leads one to wonder what benefit can be derived from being secretive in these circumstances.

I think, though, that all the players in the industry should be doing everything to break down the myths and negative perceptions to assist in taking the sport out of the realm of mystification.

In fact, it should not be left only to the JRC to work assiduously to protect the integrity of the racing product, but all other adminis-trators, investors and professionals should seek to be involved.

Generally though, I find that nearly all the owners, trainers and jockeys are quite willing to speak about the performance of the horses and the problems encountered in preparing and planning for success.

Speaking of the jockeys, the most maligned of the profes-sionals, there is now an enhanced level of professionalism in their ranks.

Based on what I am hearing from them, a lot more thought is now going into the planning of the tactical approach to race riding.

I also find that most of them have absolutely no difficulty in expressing their views on what transpires in any given race.

There can be no question that they all have a desire to do well enough to earn a decent standard of living and enjoy a share of the limelight.