Calls on Minister to fast rack horse racing Legislation
The Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA) on Sunday 29thSeptember held a general members meeting on at the Bush Lot United Turf Club, Sea View Park West Coast Berbice, where a number of important decisions were made.
The meeting, which was chaired by retired Chancellor Justice Cecil Kennard, among other things reviewed the racing dates for the rest of the year.
While some dates were confirmed others were not, however the following decision were made – It was decided that following this Sunday’s race meet at the Rising Sun Turf Club (RSTC) set for the 6th October, the next meet will be held on Sunday 10th November at the Bush Lot United Turf Club (BLUTC). The Norman Singh Turf Club (NSTC) date for the 20th October is in limbo because the club has not confirmed the date.
The next confirmed date is set aside for a meet on the 24th of November at the Ryan Crawford Turf Club and Sports facilities (RFMTC&SF) or the Port Mourant Turf Club (PMTC). Following that meet turfites will return to the PMTC for the traditional meet set for the 15th December. The Kennard memorial Turf Club will be the next stop on the 26th December for the annual Boxing date meet. The 2013/2014 race season is expected to end on 5th January with the annual RSTC meet.
The meeting also decided that clubs that have not paid up their yearly affiliation fee of $15,000 will be given a deadline of 31st October to do so.
Trainers and Jockeys who have not paid their registration fee have also been given until the 31st October to do so, failing which they will not be allowed to participate in any activity sanctioned by the GHRA.
The meeting also looked at the status of the current Horse Racing Legislation which is still sitting on the desk of the Minister of Sport. Mr Kennard said that following the last meeting with the Minister back in May, some amendments were made and the document returned to the minister. Justice Kennard said that they have since written the Minister requesting an urgent meeting. They are also urging the minister to place the draft legislation in Parliament so that it can be debated and passed.
He stated that the GHRA executive is hard working, but the legislation is urgently needed to put things in place and deal with wrong doers.
Horse racing classification was also looked at and reviewed. Other issues were discussed in the meeting which was conducted in a cordial atmosphere. (Samuel Whyte)