The establishment of the Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders Association (TOBA) 32 years ago marked a significant development in local horse racing, coinciding with the introduction of the claiming system. Founding President Howard Hamilton and the late PHO Rousseau expressed concerns that this system would not benefit the breeding industry. TOBA is set to hold an extraordinary general meeting on May 25, 2025, to address procedural issues, particularly regarding the recent election of its executive and board, which was deemed constitutionally defective.
The meeting aims to resolve these issues and fulfill TOBA’s obligations to the Jamaica Racing Commission, which includes lobbying for the industry and conducting a data-driven analysis of the racing product. The analysis will focus on the underperformance of the claiming system, which has led to a significant decline in race participation and funding, with over 50% of races featuring odds-on favorites. This decline has resulted in a stark contrast to the historical data from 1992, highlighting a troubling trend in the industry.
In contrast to the flourishing horse racing scenes in countries like the UK and Australia, the pan-American region, including Jamaica, has seen a drastic reduction in races and foal production over the past three decades. The local breeding industry has failed to grow, with a foal crop significantly lower than in previous years. This decline, coupled with a lack of engagement from younger generations, poses a serious threat to the viability of horse racing as a commercial activity, leading promoters to rely on external betting to sustain revenue.
