Georgina Sergeon, the lone female in the batch of 19 new apprentice jockeys, receives her certificate from Jamaica Racing Commission Chairman Rudolph Muir at the passing-out ceremony for apprentices and trainers last Thursday afternoon on the grounds of the Jamaica Racing Commission, Winchester Road. Sergeon will begin riding at Caymanas Park on Wednesday. - Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

Senator Arthur Williams, who recently assumed portfolio responsibility in his capacity as minister of state in the finance ministry, said he will be looking at increased flows from the gaming dollar for an immediate impact on horse racing.

This will result in sustainable purse increases through the capitalisation of a development fund to be administered by the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC).

Speaking at the graduation ceremony for trainers and apprentice jockeys on the lawns of the JRC, Winchester Road, last Thursday, Williams said the development fund would facilitate, among other things, key initiatives like a 24-hour equine clinic and centre at Caymanas Park.

Primary focus

"This kind of initiative will begin to return the industry to the primary focus which it should emphasise; viz the equine athlete, the magnificent animal that drives the sport and the horseracing industry.

"As so, I will be announcing in due course the commencement of the development fund as soon as steps have been finalised to pull all the financing pieces together.

"I have already met and have been briefed by the commissioners and senior staff of the JRC and I look forward to meeting all staff at every level within the industry.

"I have already done a partial tour of certain key areas and amenities at Caymanas Park and I have taken note that there is much improvement needed in several areas and that is needed quickly," said Williams, who assumed portfolio responsibility for the racing industry from former minister Senator Don Wehby, as of August 1.

Williams further stated that no more time should have been lost if we were to position the industry so as to maximise the returns which it is capable of giving.

"Very frankly, I believe that for too long we have talked and talked about the racing industry, but have not acted decisively to bring the industry up to First-World standards. What is drastically needed, however, and it appears that the entire industry agrees, is the need for fresh capital for significant plant upgrade and rebuilding at Caymanas Park, which will result in a repositioning and reorienting of the offering at the park more towards entertainment broadly, thereby capturing a broader cross section of consumers, without of course, limiting the attendance of the core base, of horse-racing fans," said the senator.

19 assistant trainers

Meanwhile, 19 assistant trainers graduated as full-fledged trainers after successfully completing a near one-year course with the JRC. They were tutored by the JRC chief veterinarian, Dr St Aubyn Bartlett, and Dr Sophia Ramial, both of whom received high praise from the graduates.

The graduating trainers were former topline jockey Fitzroy Glispie, who received the award for having attained the best overall grade, Donovan 'Burru' Thompson, award winner for the highest grade in the practical exams; Maurice Crooks, award for highest grade in theory; Roy 'Lambada' Matthews, Most Improved Student; Gordon Lewis, Leroy Biggs, Paul 'Sleeper' Charlton, Dave Girod, Patrick 'Mice' Taylor, Renes Burrell, Nicholas Edwards, Cleveland Mitchell, Dwight Newby, Donovan Plummer, Errol Pottinger, Dennis Pryce, Edward Walker, Delroy Wisdom and Patrick Smellie of HE'S REALLY OK fame, who gave the valedictory address, describing Dr Bartlett and Dr Ramial as "two excellent teachers".

Six-month course

Nineteen apprentices also graduated after completing a six-month course at the Jockeys' School and they will commence riding at Caymanas Park on Wednesday.

They are Jodeien Anderson, Vijay Ashley, Cavel Brown, Chalrick Budhai, Arthur Budhu, Aaron Chatrie, Richard Cole who won the award as the Most Disciplined Student; Ansley Dancel, Osive Donegal, Conrod Ellis, Jevvanne Erwin, Doushane Gordon, Michael Grant, Robert Halledeen, Fabion Jones, Richard Mairs, Kareem Richardson-Garvey, Marlon Walcott and the lone female in the batch, Georgina Sergeon, who gave the valedictory address. They were taught horsemanship by noted equestrian Susan Wates and riding techniques by former champion jockey Emilio 'Bimbo' Rodriquez

Also present were the graduates from the 2006 batch, including two-time champion jockey Omar Walker, who received their compulsory savings from the commission during the three years they rode as apprentices.

Also speaking were the chairman of the JRC, Rudolph Muir, and general manager, Ruth Ann Smith-Sutherland, who moved the vote of thanks.