Training the trainers
JRC begins course for conditioners of thoroughbred racehorses
Atotal of 41 applications are about to have their long-life dream of becoming conditioner of thoroughbred racehorses come to reality after being enrolled in the 2022 Trainers’ Training Programme, which is under supervision of the regulatory body of horse racing, the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC).
The Trainers’ Training Programme, which was launched at Caymanas Park on Tuesday, will have classes beginning today. The participants are divided into two groups — Group A and Group B — with classes beginning at 1:30 pm for Group A and 3:30 pm for Group B. The course will run for seven months with courses being divided into two parts.
Part one topics consist of basic anatomy of the horse; conformation; equine nutrition; blacksmithery; equine health and basic care; housing and stale layout and saddling gear and equipment.
During the courses, participants will have their midterm examination and after all the courses are finished, they will have their final examination. In addition, the participants will also get four quizzes which will be added to their final grades. Grade breakdown: Quizzes are worth 20 points; attendants 10 points; midterm exam 30 points and final exam 40 points. Participants will be required to achieve 70 per cent to successfully complete part one of the programme and qualify for part two.
Additionally, for the first time, at the end of the training programme, the JRC will award the most outstanding successful applicant with an award in recognition of the late Chris Armond.
Clovis Metcalf, chairman at JRC, said that “The commission prides itself on having introduced a hybrid format of training in this year’s programme”.
“Today marks the launch of the 2022 Trainers’ Training programme, being the most ambitious training programme undertaken by the commission in its 50-year history featuring a cohort 41 men and women pulled from all facets of the racing industry.
“This format will provide persons of varying experience and expertise the opportunity to qualify as racehorse trainers inclusive of a 12-month apprenticeship where mandated.
“The 2022 programme is strategically inclusive and diverse. Women, former jockey, racing administrator, racing broadcaster, owners, and third generation licensees are among those who will be participating this year,” Metcalf said.
Solomon Sharpe, chairman at Supreme Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL), congratulated all participants and wished them success on their journey.
“This is a déjà vu moment for me; a few years ago I graduated from this same programme and so I want to congratulate you guys on having qualified but this is just the beginning and actually you have a big responsibility. This is a serious business that you are going to take on; you’re not just a trainer, who just has a piece of paper saying that you are a trainer, it’s serious work and it’s hard work,” he said.
Dale Murphy, first vice-president of the United Racehorse Trainers Association of Jamaica (URTAJ), gave his association’s remarks.
“You all have been chosen to be a part of the racing fraternity due to your passion for horse racing. Your passion, we hope will help us to unite and the energy we create is what will help us to achieve our individual as well as the racing goals of SVREL.
“I think we need you as much as you need us and that’s why we are grateful to have you to join us here at the great Caymanas Park,” Murphy said.
Marlon Pusey, assistant trainer at the Gary Subratie stables for many years, said that this is a dream come true for him and he will do his best to achieve that dream.
“I have the experience and knowledge and I know that I can make this happen. I also have overseas experience as I was in Trinidad at the Santa Rosa Park managing the stables for Subtarie whenever he was not there and in Jamaica and so I know what it takes,” Pusey told the Jamaica Observer. List of participants:
Andre Adams; Lydia Anglin; Barrington Bernard; Wayne Binns; Marlon Brown; Ricardo Brown; Saqlain Brown; Michael Cain Jr; Oraldo Chin; Donovan Dawes; Gregg Fennell; Lawrence Freemantle Jr; Damon Gayle; Hugh Gayle; Winston Griffiths; Alphanso Harris; Oral Hayden; Donovan Hutchinson; Patrick Jarrett; Orville Johnson; Cecil Lynch; Rowan Mathie; Peter-john Parsard; Kenneth Palmer; Adrian Prince; Marlon Pusey; Davidan Robinson; Lennis Shim; Michael Spencer; Cedric Stewart; Paul Swaby; Lesra Thompson; Khary Tucker; Paul Vaceannie; Prince Walker; Courtney Williams; and Omar Williams.