Organisers urged to improve the standard or stop horseracing

Apr 08, 2017 Sports

Despite millions of dollars being pumped into some activities making them multimillion dollars events the organising and officiating leaves much to be desired, making the end products as mediocre as possible.

This is unbelievable despite the angle Cat Messiah, NO7 on the fence, is way in front. The animal has already passed the judges box and the white finishing pole.

Horseracing in Guyana is one such event that attracts millions and instead of improving the standard keeps dropping rapidly it is felt among some in the horseracing circle. Almost every aspect to the sport needs an urgent uplifting to get it out of its backward march.
Despite calls the Government seems quite reluctant to get involved and with no horseracing authority in place one would expect chaos, which seems to be the order of the day right now. Even though a few are keeping meetings and trying to keep things in order, unless the Racing Authority is put in place by some means what so ever, the disorder will not stop.
One of the big questions being asked is despite multimillion dollars circulating at each event, why aren’t the organisers putting money into the introduction of technology which will clear up many of the controversy that circulates at each race meet, especially in determining the winners in races.
One such mediocrity which led to controversy took place at the horserace meet held last Sunday at the KMTC.
The event was the H and lower 6 furlongs race in which the judges gave a decision that was totally impossible. How, wasn’t Cat Messiah given the win or declared joint winners in a dead heat is still beyond most of those present. All this is despite the animal being way in front as they raced to the finishing pole and all photographic evidence available showed Cat Messiah in front approaching or passing the finishing pole.

Super Bowl now joins Cat Messiah of the Singh Stable in this closing frame.

The television footage did not show the horse which was on the inside of the track.
The judges after a while announced a dead heat to Super Bowl of the Saul Stable and Isn’t She Charming of the Jumbo Jet Stable over Cat Messiah of the Singh Stable although, photographic evidence showed Cat Messiah in front in a three way battle for the finish line. The shed in the picture is where the finishing line is and as can be seen Cat Messiah had already passed.
One wonders how did the judges come-up with the decision. The availability of photo finish equipment and evidence would have cast away all doubts.
The owner has refused to accept the third place awarded and is contemplating his next move.
While the government must take some of the flak for their sloth in getting things in order, the organisers of horseracing in Guyana are urged to either stop racing or do something tangible urgently before things get worst. (Samuel Whyte)