DOS Ninvalle lauds Minister, GoG for Horseracing Bill

As preparations continue to situate the sport of horse-racing into a new and advanced age of regulation, those responsible for these massive developments are coming in for praise.
One person commending this development is Director of Sports Steve Ninvalle, who has lauded Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, for tabling the landmark Horse Racing Authority Bill in the National Assembly last Wednesday.
This historic legislation, aimed at establishing a regulatory framework for the sector, has now been introduced in the National Assembly, and according to those who have been able to peruse its contents, the bill provides for establishment of a Horse Racing Authority and a governing board to act on its behalf.
That board would have a minimum of five and a maximum of seven members, chosen from among those with backgrounds in business, law, horse racing, or other related disciplines.

The board members would elect the vice-chairperson, while the chairperson would be appointed by the Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport.
Provisions to address infractions, increase the number of members of the Authority, impose term limits, and establish licensing for owners, jockeys, and trainers are important components of the bill.
It is anticipated that this development would significantly advance formal recognition and regulation of the horse-racing industry in Guyana by providing clarity, structure, and oversight.
“The tabling of the Horse Racing Authority Bill by Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport Charles Ramson Jr. marks a historic moment for the industry and the local sports ecosystem. It brings clarity, structure and oversight, propelling the formal recognition and regulation of horse-racing in Guyana. Based on empirical data, the horse-racing industry, guided by this historic legislation, now has the capacity to emerge as an even bigger and more significant spectator sport and contributor to sports tourism in the same vein as cricket, football, and motor racing.

“Beyond the economic and regulatory aspects, horse-racing also serves as a cultural touchstone in many societies, uniting community members in a shared passion,” the Director of Sport has shared.
Ninvalle went on to divulge, “Known as ‘the sport of kings,’ horse racing has enthralled spectators for centuries. This is no different in Guyana, where the sport has evolved and grown, albeit at a slow rate given the lack of requisite legislation. With the necessary reforms and infrastructure set to be implemented, the advancement will occur at an even faster pace. After all, the discipline has evolved into a popular sport and entertainment industry enjoyed worldwide. Initially, races were informal contests between local horses, but as interest grew, the need for standardised rules and regulations became even more evident. While the standards have improved over the years, the establishment of legislation, structure, and a regulatory body, which will now become a reality due to the tabling of the bill, was a necessary step in the right direction for the sport’s immediate and future sustainability.
“Minister Ramson must be lauded for spearheading this process, which will have historic implications. This is a legacy-defining moment.
The significance of developing horse-racing, both as a sport and an industry, extends beyond mere entertainment; it encompasses economic, cultural, and social dimensions.
“Economically, the horse- racing industry generates substantial revenue, contributing significantly to local and national economies. Furthermore, the establishment and evolution of horse-racing laws play a pivotal role in ensuring the integrity and ethical management of the sport.
“These regulations govern every facet within the competitive realms of the discipline, while more importantly maintaining its ultimate objective of promoting fairness and transparency,” Ninvalle has detailed.