We Have A Breathing Problem
Indigenous Jamaican language is nothing if not brilliantly colourful and descriptive. I’m sure many of us have come across someone temporarily (hopefully) short of breath who gasps “Mi cyan breed.” Well, …
Racial Segregation Forever
“In the name of the greatest people that have ever trod this earth, I draw the line in the dust and toss the gauntlet before the feet of tyranny, and I …
Parallel Times And Speed Figures
Survivors of last issue’s boring mathematics lesson can now calculate your own Standard (Par) Times and daily Track Variants. Congratulations on your Masters Degree in Speed. Now what? It’s time for …
Track Variants De-Mystified
More than two years ago, I gave general advice (Public Opinion’s Birthday; Your Gift – Speed!) about how to assess speed. It’s time for more advanced study. “Oh my ears and …
The Davis Principle
One of the most confusing handicapping conundrums for many horse players comes when horses that spend time in restricted allowances venture into claiming company. If, as I’ve done, you’ve taken the …
Eeether Or Eyether
For decades, Jamaican horsemen and purveyors of horseracing opinion have debated whether Jamaica should introduce a tote monopoly. The “debate” has proceeded on the premise that we currently have two players …
A Very Personal Horseracing Journey (Part II)
Monte’s Stitch’s 1972 Gold Cup weight-carrying feat was one of many by local champions those days. No horse’s career was memorable without at least one weight-defying performance that could fuel arguments …
A Very Personal Horseracing Journey
Believe it or not (By Ripley) this is my 100th Public Opinion column. What better way to celebrate than to re-tell Part I of a story last told almost 20 years …
Does Horseracing Have A Future?
Now that the United Racehorse Trainers Association’s internal squabbles appear settled, there’s a sudden surge of public interest in the future of horseracing. Unfortunately, this appears to be fixated on a …
Cycle Of Self-Destruction
On January 21 news broke that, again, unrest raged at Caymanas Park. Yet again, the fundamental bone of contention was the slow pace of purse increase negotiations and minimal offers made …
Speed Trap!
January is always the most difficult time for speed figure nerds like me. The calculation of track variants and corrected times in order to produce accurate speed figures becomes even more …