Action on Sunday last at Bush Lot United Turf Club
‘The blinkers affecting their vision’ were removed, and local horsemen were able to witness a new dimension to the “Sport of Kings” with the staging of Sunday’s first-ever race card on an all-weather surface laid less than two weeks ago at Bush Lot United Turf Club (BLUTC) on the West Coast of Berbice (Region Five).
Speaking on Sunday’s opening of the new all- weather track, Nasrudeen “Junior” Mohamed, who heads the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee(JJTRC), said, “I have to thank my workers for their sacrifice in making this possible. These guys worked tireless to make this possible. While the village was sleeping, they were working. Being fellow villagers of Bush Lot village, this was their way of saying ‘thanks’ possibly. Time was against us, but while the Complex is not completed, we were able to have racing on the newly laid surface.”
Several quick times were recorded, which in fact are new records; and top rider of the day, Colin Ross, interviewed about the newly laid surface and the record times, remarked: “It’s too early to comment, but when it settle down with more racing, we will have a first-class surface. Today it was a trial, but the times recorded were quick. New track records were set. The track has a nice cushion, it is different to what this track previously had, and the other tracks. I think this is the way to go for all the tracks. It will be better for the horses.”
Dr Clive Rahamut-Ali, a senior practising veterinarian and former race day veterinarian/ official at Santa Rosa Park in Trinidad, was in attendance. He has been assisting the industry in Guyana, and was flown in to share his knowledge. He served at Bush Lot as timekeeper and advisor to the stewards/officials on Sunday’s race day. He indicated, “With this new track, it is the most opportune time to introduce some new (regulations for) track safety and welfare of the animals.”
Among the ideas floated in this regard were:
1. The creation of <a race day database for injuries occurring on the track,> especially where they are occurring.
2. <A track inspection safety team prior to and during races,> especially if a catastrophic injury occurs. That would also include interviewing the rider, once he is not hurt.
3. A proposed <48-hour pre- race veterinary inspection of horses>.
4. <A track veterinarian stationed at the starting gates> to ensure the safety of the rider and horse. That would involve <a final vet check, ensure the rider is comfortable, and assess any horse that flips at the gates or harms itself in the box.>
5. Create <a Bleeders’ List for all horses that suffer external bleeding from the nostrils.> Provide an endoscopic exam for any horse that requires an upper airway evaluation. <Ensure that all horses parade in front of the officials prior to trotting down to the gates.>
Dr Rahamut-Ali advised, “It would be an excellent idea to have the young local veterinarians come out to gain experience in the game. This would only increase the welfare and safety of both animals and riders. It will be a work in progress. I am willing to help any young veterinarian that needs the experience.”
Horsemen interviewed by this newspaper about the newly laid surface voiced positive reviews. Dennis Deroop, an outstanding administrator and owner, shared: “It (the track) was above my expectations, as it (was) just recently done. It was way beyond what I expected. Quite a number of horsemen were high in praise. It was quick and level. The horses ran well on the track. It’s only two weeks old, and it could only get better. I was impressed about the new rails, and the turns were smoother. Look at the times set, that tell you something.”
