CTL director Chris Armond. - file
Despite obstacles which emerged earlier this week, the historic first-ever Sunday race meet at Caymanas Park on November 29 will go ahead as planned.
This was confirmed by CTL director Chris Armond yesterday. Armond said eight races are being offered, five of these being trophy races. Post time will be 1:10 p.m.On Tuesday, news broke that the Sunday racing issue had taken an unexpected twist, as the CTL Off-Track Betting parlours islandwide were barred from opening this Sunday - the first of two scheduled race meets for his year. The other is on December 13.
If that wasn't enough, no broadcasts on radio or television will be allowed. These new restrictions came as a result of a directive from the Government.
'Pressure'
When asked to comment on these new developments, Armond said bluntly "pressure".
The Church had voiced strong opposition to the introduction of Sunday racing and had begun to lobby against it since the milestone announcement was made by CTL Chairman Tony Hart on Wednesday, September 16, at a press conference at the Knutsford Court Hotel, New Kingston.
Given these new developments, Armond is hoping for the best, but it will not be an easy sell, as the 62 Off-Track Betting parlours islandwide account for 70 per cent of sales on local racing.
"What this means is that we have to get out the crowds, as Caymanas Park will be the only place to bet on the horses.
"Still, we are promoting it as a family fun day with tents on the infield for families only, food and bar facilities in that area, along with betting machines and music by Merritone Disco.
"The future of Sunday racing could hinge on the success of the two meets scheduled for this year, and we at CTL are going all out to ensure that we bring in the crowds," explained Armond, who is also chairman of racing's advisory council.
Meanwhile, a spokesman for a leading Pentecostal Church group, who wished to remain anonymous, said he was happy that the lobby against Sunday racing had borne some fruit.
Derail Sunday racing
"Our intention was to derail Sunday racing as it is bad for the country. I recall the popular hymn Shall We Gather At the River, and say to the multitude, instead of gathering at Caymanas Park on Sunday, do so at a church nearest to you," he pleaded.
Among the eight races being offered are five with trophies attached. These are the Jamaica Racehorse Owners' Association Trophy (overnight allowance) over 2000 metres, the Grooms' Association Trophy over the straight five course, Jamaica Racehorse Trainers' Association Trophy over 1200 metres, United Trainers' Association Trophy over 1820 metres and the Sunnyside Stakes for native bred two-year-old fillies over 1100 metres.