Horse racing in Guyana is set to undergo changes which would include implementation of the needed regulatory framework with the return of the grand Guyana Cup set for August 14.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr. made the revelation at the drawing for the Guyana Cup at the Pegasus Hotel on Sunday.
“We have started to engage with stakeholders in the move towards the modernization of the sport…that is something very important to regulate the sector, and that is not something for anyone to be worried about”, Minister Ramson Jr. conveyed.
“What that will do, it takes us into the modern world as it relates to horse racing,” he added.
The Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA) had developed draft legislation for the sport in 2014 but thus far, that has not progressed beyond that stage.
Noting the valuable economic impact of horse racing, through sport tourism, the Minister further indicated, “when we continue to grow, when we continue to grow and we continue to prosper, we have to look at industries as growth opportunities, and horse racing is one of those.”
“When we are going to be making these changes, we are not going to be making these changes in isolation, we are also intending to make the investment necessary I moving the modernisation of the sport which includes the facilities,” he added.
According to the Sport Minister, the absence of legislation restricts the development of the sector, making it important to take the necessary steps to transform the sport.
Also attending the event on Sunday was Finance Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh.
He reflected on his childhood years in Bush Lot, West Berbice, and his love for the sport as a young boy.
He noted that Guyana is a herald of remarkable transformation and the Government also wants recovery and a renaissance in sports so as to make Guyana the mecca for horse racing in the Caribbean.
Meanwhile, Communication Manager for Banks DIH Limited, Troy Peters, said as long-time sponsors of the event, they are pleased with the growth over the years, and yet he again, he predicts thousands will come in support at the Rising Sun Turf Club, West Berbice.
Nasurdeen Mohamed Jr. of the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee said history was created when they conducted the draws for postposition in such a transparent manner and he too called for regularisation in order to take the sport to the next level.
Sunday’s event will be the 14th staging of the Guyana Cup.
