The classics are here
By the time Public Opinion’s next issue is posted, Jamaica’s first classics will have been run so readers must be satisfied with this very early preview. 1.000 Guineas This one is …
Jamaica Election Day 2025 in Retrospect
Jamaica’s general election for 2025 has come and it has gone. When I look back to the elections of the 1970s, of the 1980s and of the 1990s, I have to …
THE FUTURE MUST BE NOW!
The new horse racing promoter has tried manfully for two years to revive a dying sport but CPR isn’t working and there are no defibrillators in sight. SVREL’s unaudited accounts …
Let The Spinning Wheel Spin
She who must be Obeyed (SWMBO) recently celebrated her 37th wedding anniversary on the twoth of March (we have the 4th, 5th, 6th etc so why isn’t March 2 the …
Rescheduling the Diamond Mile to November… Seriously!?
It’s been a while. Since I’ve been away, the latest public obsession has been with the spectre of unchecked profligacy at some public sector agencies conveniently summarized by the word “Petroscam”. …
Condolences, congratulations, and other weighty issues
My heart goes out to the family of Vassell “Jollyman” Najair after his untimely demise while trying his best to protect a thoroughbred race horse and the public from injury. If …
From Roman Road to Highway 2000 (Series Finale)
By the time Legal Light won his Derby, the commentary booth was controlled by the wonderful Chris Armond, who brought a whole new style of race calling to the radio in …
From Roman road to Highway 2000 (Part V)
So, we come to the weight-carrying feats of local champions of yore. No thoroughbred’s career had a chance of being memorable unless it included at least one weight-defying performance fuelling arguments …
From Roman Road to Highway 2000 (Part IV)
When Titania won the Derby in 1974, David Vernon was still in charge of RJR’s commentary booth but the skill and artistry of George HoSang ruled the racetrack. Titania (trained by …
FROM ROMAN ROAD TO HIGHWAY 2000 (Part III)
Horseracing has always been an audio-visual sport and, as such, identified with and by the voices of its commentators. One of the earliest was the legendary Charlie “Dollars to Donuts” McCormack. …
From Roman Road to Highway 2000 (Part II)
The little boy had heard stories of Caymanas Park’s early days when Jockeys vying for the lead at the three furlong pole were alert for the shout of the Master himself, …