Horse Racing Authority approved, ready to begin regulatory work – Ramson

By Michelangelo Jacobus

The Guyana Horse Racing Authority has been approved by Cabinet and is now expected to begin the work needed to formally regulate the sport, according to Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr.
Speaking on the side-lines of an event on Saturday, Ramson said the authority has already been formed and the Cabinet has completed its review of the body’s membership and composition. He said the names of the members, including the person selected to chair the authority, are expected to be published in the coming week.
According to the Minister, the authority has likely already been gazetted, but the Ministry will still issue a public release to make the information more accessible.
“The body is already formed,” Ramson said, noting that Cabinet had a lengthy discussion before giving its approval.
Ramson explained that while the establishment of the Authority is an important step, the real work now begins. He said the body will be responsible for carrying out the regulatory functions required under the Horse Racing Authority Act, including the licensing of racetracks, jockeys and other key areas connected to the sport.
He said the Government pushed to have the legislation passed and enforced because horse racing had been operating in an unregulated environment for many years. That lack of regulation, he explained, made it difficult for races and meets to be officially sanctioned or recognised.
Ramson said proper regulation is also important if Guyana is to attract international competitors and gain the confidence of other countries. He noted that overseas participants must be assured that they are competing under fair rules and standards that are recognised globally.
The Minister said the persons selected to serve on the authority were carefully chosen based on their expertise and the type of work the body will be required to carry out.
Horse racing, he added, has experienced significant growth over the past three years, driven by both Government support and private investment. Ramson said those two factors have helped create an environment of growth and transformation within the sport.
However, he stressed that the authority must now move beyond simply being appointed and begin executing its mandate.
Ramson said the passage and enforcement of the Horse Racing Authority Act, along with the appointment of the authority, mark a major step forward for the sport. He said the focus must now shift to the practical work of regulating horse racing and ensuring that the sport operates under clear and recognised standards.