Trainers, SVREL meet today to discuss purse increase

Members of the United Racehorse Trainers Association of Jamaica (URTA) will meet today with racing promoters Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL) to seek a purse increase.

The last purse increase came in 2017 when SVREL offered an overall increase of $100 million after taking over operations at Caymanas Park. However, trainer Ian Parsard, who has been leading the charge for an increase in purses on behalf of the URTA and other stakeholders, said with the cost of maintenance of horses going up significantly it is only right that they receive an increased purse money now.

"It has been four years since we have received one, and so personally, I think an increase in overdue," said Parsard. "The pressure right now is for an immediate increase because costs have gone up drastically, and we have put that position in writing to SVREL and documented the level of increases that have taken place since 2017, and so I think an increase is desperately needed right now," he said.

Lorna Gooden, general manager of SVREL, said the downturn because of the COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult for her organisation to grant a purse increase. However, she pointed out that SVREL is open for discussion on the matter today.

"As a result of the impact of the pandemic at this time last year, a memorandum of understanding was developed, which included the method for the determination of purses as well as the necessary expenditures at the track," said Gooden.

"As part of our ongoing commitment to an inclusive process of growth and development, we will be engaging the representatives of all stakeholders, i.e., owners, trainers, jockeys and grooms, in follow-up discussions. These discussions will include, but not be limited to, the status of our operations, the further development of the racing facility and the timing of activities for which fixed commitments have been made," she said.

"We will also be discussing the factors that must be taken into consideration before a decision on a purse increase can be made. We have no doubt that the meeting will be productive, and we will come away with a cohesive way forward that will be a win for all parties," Gooden stated.