Smooth transition anticipated with introduction of legislation to govern horse-racing

It is expected that legislation governing the sport of horse-racing in Guyana would be enacted before the Guyana Cup is run off on August 11 at the Rising Sun Turf Club in Region Five.
There exists in draft form legislation aimed at establishing a recognized Guyana Horse Racing Authority that is tasked with regulating major stables, officials, jockeys and handlers. Horsemen across Guyana have welcomed this initiative to have legislation in place, because they anticipate it would be a big boost for the proverbial sport of kings.
Veteran trainer and horse owner Fazal Habibulla is also urging promoters to educate horsemen from now. He believes this would allow a smooth transition when legislation is enacted. He has said: “I know for sure the Government of Guyana is playing their part. We need to start sensitizing horse owners from now.”
Young horse owner Zahir Khan has expressed positive sentiments in this regard, noting that legislation would attract more foreign horses to race in Guyana and return abroad. “I think that is where we must go,” he has said.
“That is the direction. It will also encourage horses to come into Guyana, race and return. We cannot have these big races, paying a lot of money and a person would bring a horse into the country and know they cannot take it back,” Khan has said.
Trinidadian horse owner Densil Raghoo has lauded the vision of the young horse promoters in Guyana. He declared: “I have seen that the Government is doing their part in the regulation of races. There are different things that can be done to get expenses from the owners. It is also good to know that the Honorable President (Dr Irfaan Ali) is a lover (of) horse racing.”
The initiative in regard to legislation comes after previous attempts had been in 2014, and key elements include provisions to address violations, expand the Authority’s membership, introduce term limits, and implement licensing for owners, jockeys, and trainers. This development is expected to bring clarity, structure, and oversight to the horse racing industry in Guyana, marking a significant step toward its formal recognition and regulation.