Richard Todd, head of the 'concerned' trainers, makes a point during his address inside a packed Trainers' Room at Caymanas Park yesterday. Looking on are fellow trainers Frank Parham (left) and Bernard Vincent. - Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

Close to 100 "concerned" trainers passed a resolution yesterday calling on the Jamaica Racing Commission to set a date for a new election of the Jamaica Racehorse Trainers' Association (JRTA) executive, following its nullification of the March 30 election last year.

That election, which saw the incumbent president, Vin Edwards, re-elected by a hefty majority, was described as corrupt by the leadership of the "concerned" trainers as they provided a detailed account of the many discrepancies which occurred.

Bernard Vincent, a former secretary of the JRTA (1985-1997), who was defeated by Edwards for the presidency in 2004, said all that is required of the association and its leaders is to implement what is written in the constitution.

"What we don't need is a leader of high profile and misinformation. What we don't need is a leader who say one thing and do another," he declared.

'Democratic rape'

Calling the 2008 election "a rape of the democratic process", Vincent said the concerned trainers have decided that enough was enough.

Meanwhile, Richard Todd, leader and proposed presidential candidate of the 'concerned' trainers, outlined his mission statement while listing proposed measures.

1 Our mission will be a holistic approach to create and build a strong and creditable Jamaica Racehorse Trainers' Association within the industry that will ensure honesty and integrity;

2 The creation of a 'Marshall' plan for local racing by formulating a council of creditable, knowledgeable and experienced horsemen to review the product, its rules and promotion.

3 To sensitise and recreate the passion and energy within our association and other bodies within and outside our industry;

4 We must transform our attitude. (a) A new sense of values. (b) A new sense of unity and strength, (c) A new ethical and moral code. (d) A scenario that make local racing friendly and home to tourists and expatriate (the Dubai experience);

5 Our leadership must be strong and provide competent governance.

6 To quickly create a co-operative and Benefit Fund for members and other associations, furthering and protecting the interest of members or their dependants or both;

7 We will insist and work with CTL on the immediate improvement of the racing plant and also rid the compound of all stray animals;

8 We will be seeking to register and become a member of the cooperatives and friendly societies, thereby allowing our membership to be trained as managers and allowing our association access to loans;

9 In consultation with the Jamaica Racing Commission, young trainers will no longer prove that they should have stalls to be granted a trainers' licence;

10 We will be making representation that trainers will no longer be responsible for statutory deductions of contract workers, but this will fall on the Grooms' Association and the Welfare Office of the JRC;

11 We will create an office for trainers with workers and computers so their interest can be dealth with professionally;

12 Place a suggestion box in the Trainers' Room and office for the membership with bright ideas to assist the leadership for the common good of all;

13 A quarterly magazine that will educate and inform its members on international links and provide finding for different projects;

14 The setting up of a finance committee that will explore ways to generate revenues to help our association and its members.

He added: "Lastly, we want an association that is willing to listen to the membership and work for the betterment of all."

The meeting was attended by 110 trainers and assistant trainers, including Frank Parham and Harry Parsard, who also addressed the gathering from the head table.

CaymanasPark at 50

Caymanas Park, Jamaica's horse-racing Mecca, is celebrating its golden anniversary.

Get your copy of Outlook magazine in next Sunday's Gleaner for an extensive pictorial feature on the great horses, jockeys, trainers and others who have contributed to 50 years of glory.