This Way To The Alms House
When Chris Armond and I were students at iconic Campion College our teachers were mostly excellent. One standout exception was a Geography teacher who we nicknamed “Ratty” due to the shape …
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 …
Chris Armond – Like HBO!
I first met Christopher Joseph Armond over 55 years ago when, in September 1965, we both entered the hallowed halls of Campion College (née “Campion Hall”). We entered with different perspectives. …
Christmas Wishes, New Year’s Wish List
So Queen Elizabeth II described 1992 as an “annus horribilis”. What was her problem? She had some family issues that included three divorces among her children and their arranged-by-Royal-Decree spouses. Oh, …
Dreaming Of Losing Weight?
Since the pandemic has encouraged two new cottage industries, sleeping and eating, it might be time to deal with both from a horseracing perspective. First up: weight – the most over-rated …
One hundred Derbies (no Dalmations)
Tomorrow is a big deal in local horse racing as Caymanas Park hosts Jamaica Derby’s 100th running. One more and we could make a movie. The first Derby, run at Knutsford …
Trainers Are The Real Superstars
Exciting contests for the last two trainers’ championships have brought the work of race horse conditioning into focus. Jockeys are the super-stars of racing (undeservedly in my opinion) because they’re the …
Rooting Out Corruption
Recently a jockey was found with a battery (allegedly) and another fined and suspended for betting on a race in contravention of a rule that restricts jockeys to betting on (and …
Batteries? What About Raceday Medication?
The track is agog regarding an alleged battery finding last Saturday. The horse was withdrawn and Allen, the jockey, sidelined pending investigation. But, on Monday, before any “investigation” could commence, Racing …
Grading Of Horses And Tracks
Everybody knows I’m no fan of Sunday racing. I’m concerned about interference with family time; with occupational license holders’ day of rest; and encouragement of punter fatigue which could come with …
Owners Needed and a Guineas Preview
Clear, uncomplicated reality is that the racing industry is dying a slow, tortured, demise as racehorse owners desert the ship faster than Jerry ever ran from Tom. As usual the promoter’s …