The article critiques the current claiming system used in Jamaican horse racing, highlighting its economic unsustainability and operational flaws. Despite 33 years of support from key stakeholders like the Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders Association (TOBA) and United Racehorse Trainers Association of Jamaica (URTAJ), the claiming system has failed to deliver a viable racing product. The system relies heavily on subsidies, with the promoting company, Caymanas Track Limited, incurring significant losses and debts. Recent financial reports reveal a $400 million revenue shortfall for promoter SVREL, alongside declining race numbers and participation, signaling a deteriorating industry.

The author argues that the claiming system is fundamentally flawed, causing overmatching of horses, smaller race fields, and favoring an elite minority rather than the broader racing community. This contrasts with the previously successful handicap system, which promoted equity and wider prize distribution. The article suggests that the stakeholders mistakenly believe the promoting company owns the racing product, when in fact they do, and that a return to a handicap system could restore profitability and viability. Without significant changes, including investment in breeding and a shift away from the claiming system, the future of live horse racing at Caymanas Park is uncertain.