The Knutsford Era

“THE KNUTSFORD ERA”

Assorted STUD FARM REPORTS & CLIPPINGS FROM“KNUTSFORD RACING 1944- to- 1965

Forward............................................................................................................................6

The Directorate of Knutsford Park Limited (year 1944).............................................8Racing in 1944.................................................................................................................8Extracts from the Winning Lists 1944.............................................................................9

Winning Owners..........................................................................................................9Winning Trainers.........................................................................................................9Winning Jockeys........................................................................................................10List of Winning Breeders for Race Year 1944..........................................................10

STUD FARM REPORT 1944.......................................................................................12Knutsford’s High Standard........................................................................................12

Racing In 1947...............................................................................................................14Notes from the 1947 “Winning Lists”...........................................................................17

Winning Owners........................................................................................................17Winning Trainers.......................................................................................................17Winning Breeders......................................................................................................18Winning Jockeys........................................................................................................19

STUD FARM REPORT 1947.......................................................................................20Racing in 1949...............................................................................................................23FROM THE WINNING LIST 1949..............................................................................24

Winning Owners........................................................................................................24Winning Trainers.......................................................................................................24Winning Jockeys........................................................................................................24Winning Breeders......................................................................................................25

STUD FARM REPORT 1949.......................................................................................25Racing In 1950...............................................................................................................26FROM THE WINNING LISTS.....................................................................................27Winning Owners............................................................................................................27

Winning Trainers.......................................................................................................27Winning Jockeys........................................................................................................27Winning Breeders......................................................................................................28

STUD FARM REPORT 1950.......................................................................................28Racing in 1951...............................................................................................................29On The Winning List 1951............................................................................................32

Owners.......................................................................................................................32Trainers......................................................................................................................32

.....................33Jockeys.......................................................................................................................33

STUD FARM REPORT 1951.......................................................................................34The Racing Seasons 1964 & 1965.................................................................................35From The Winning List 1964........................................................................................36

Winning Owners........................................................................................................36Winning Trainers.......................................................................................................36Winning Jockeys........................................................................................................36Stud News..................................................................................................................37

STUD FARM REPORT 1964.......................................................................................37STUD FARM REPORT 1965.......................................................................................40.......................................................................................................................................41

The Winning List 1965..............................................................................................41Knutsford Today 2009...................................................................................................42

A NEW ERA – THE CAYMANAS ERA.........................................................................43The Racing Seasons 1966 & 1967.................................................................................43

Forward

This presentation of Stud Farm Reports and extracts from the Racing Years 1944 to 1967

covers the Knutsford era in the history of Jamaican Thoroughbred Racing. This collection

is being put forward at this time with the following objectives in mind:-

1. To remind ourselves and to recognize those individuals, some now deceased,

who have played their role in the establishment of a modern and vibrant

thoroughbred racing industry in Jamaica.

2. To contribute to the creation of an “Industry Memory”, thus enabling the current

generation of managers and administrators of the racing industry to examine some

of the approaches taken by their father and grandfathers in resolving the

challenges they faced in their time, thus contributing to the laying of a foundation

for a more though out and guided approach to the management of the industry,

and

3. to remind ourselves that our fathers and grandfathers in their administration of the

Knutsford complex did face problems very similar to those faced by the current

administrators of Caymanas Park., especially that of making thoroughbred racing

more appealing to a wider cross section of the population (see words of Mr. C.D.

Alexander, 1950).

This presentation is the first part of a three part presentation, and its hope that not only

will it be of benefit to the various stakeholders in the thoroughbred racing industry, but

also serve to remind us that the first industry established on Jamaican soil, was that of

horse breeding and sales. Many of the horse used by Cortez and the Moors who

accompanied him, in the conquest of Mexico and Latin America were bred in Jamaica.

In later years, in the establishment of the thoroughbred racing industry in the Caribbean

and Latin America, Jamaica was again played the role of a leading exporter of

bloodstock.

It is further hope that this glance back, will also serve to stimulate and or re-awaken

interest in the thoroughbred industry, by those who over they years, for one reason or the

other, took a break from the industry, and to remind ourselves as heirs to a most

historically important industry, that we too are called on to preserve and strengthen the

Jamaican thoroughbred industry. May our colours flutter in the winds and the chomping

sound of horses fill reverberate and fill our stables.

Basil Fletcher,The Jamaica Racing Commission

The Directorate of Knutsford Park Limited (year 1944)

Chairman:- Hon. H.V. Alexander, C.B.E., Privy Councillor,!st. Vice- Chairman: Hon. George Seymour-Seymour, OBE2nd. Vice-Chairman: Vincent AguilarManager: Audley Morais : F.V. Nunes H. Warner Bolton L.P. Alberga C.C. Calder, Abe IssaSecretary: Robert McConnell

(source:- Knutsford Park Supplement ,1944, pages 6 & 7 )

Racing in 1944

The next five years will be for Jamaica the most critical in all her history. With the approaching defeat of Germany and Japan many intricate and difficult global problems present themselves and their wise solutions will inevitably affect the well being of this island.

Here at home the elections under the new Constitution were held in December resulting in a clear majority for the Labour Party candidates in the House of Representatives. Whether this new experiment in Colonial rule will be successful or otherwise rests on their shoulders.

The racing industry is intimately related to the state of the country and it’s a good sign that in this field, in spite of many adverse factors, there has been a steady expansion during the last year; races have gone up considerably both in quantity and value.

On the administrative side, however, it has been a year of controversy and dissension, and relations between the Jockey Club, the promoters, and the racing public have been far from happy. Early in the year it was found that there was something in the nature of a “jockey ring” reminiscent of that in England in the nineties, and as a result several jockeys lost their licenses. The majority of these have now being reinstated and it is to be hoped that they have taken their lesson to heart and that there will be no recurrence of horses being pulled and reports of enormous sums of money in wagers changing hands as a result.

Extracted from:-“The Racing Yaer in Jamaica, Volume VII”, Compiled and published by E.L.C. Burke, page 1.

Extracts from the Winning Lists 1944

Winning Owners

For the second year in succession Major M. J. Blackwell tops the lists of Winning Owners. The two horses responsible for his total are the great and invincible Brown Bomber and his half-brother Commando.The former has at his mercy all the races for which he is eligible in 1945, the latter is the winning favourite for the Derby, so Major Blackwell whose military duties have taken him abroad, can look forward to more successes in the coming year.

Second is Mr. Alphonse Brandon who races under the nom de course of Mr. Prior. He had the unique experience of seeing two of his Derby entrants fight out a most thrilling dead heat in the premier race of the year, a record which surely could not have happened before in the history of racing.

The third place goes to “Mr. David and Miss Doreen” son and daughter of Mr. Frank Lyons.

Winning Trainers

Leo Williams has justified our prophecy of last year by heading the list of winning trainers, and with a record total. It is said that the smartest soldiers on parade are also the best in battle, and this maxim could well be applied to the training of race horse.

Certainly Leo Williams horses are turned out in most immaculate fashion, his tack is always sound, and his runners are always saddled on time. There are some other trainers who would do well to take a leaf out of his book.

Owen Silveria saddled 27 winners, more than anyone else for the year, is second. This is quite a different story from that of last year when his first winner did not turn up until October; in fact he went for nearly eighteen months without a winner; and at one time it really looked as if he was fated never to win another race.

Vincent Neita is just about where he usually ends up, in third place. He is one of the best judges of form among the trainers and though he had no Futurity horse to win valuable races, he got the best out of his handicappers.

Winning Jockeys

For the first time since the days of Arthur Bodair, an apprentice is top of the Winning Jockeys. This is sixteen year old Aston Bent otherwise known as “Pin”. He thoroughly deserves to be where he is as he is a bold rider and a good little horseman. His trouble is going to be in avoiding that insidious disease which seems to attack every successful apprentice in Jamaica, namely swelled head.

Second is Levi Ellis, who has been riding incomparably better than he has ever done before. He is an exceptionally tall lad and cannot go to scale below 9st. which of course limits his riding opportunities.

Third is steady sober little “Sticky” Myton who was more in demand than any other jockey, having 152 mounts in all. In case there are some bright lads who think they can make quick and easy money by riding “clever”, Myton’s career ought to be an example for them. By no means a brilliant jockey he gets all the riding he wants, and incidentally makes a steady income, simply by going straight.

List of Winning Breeders for Race Year 1944

1. Hon. Capt. Henry McGrath2. Hon. George Seymour- Seymour3. Messrs. Vincent and Andrew Aguilar4. Mr. Jim Harvey

STUD FARM REPORT 1944

Name Of Farm Conducted By Number of Stallions

Number of Broodmares

On the farm (resident & visiting)

The Adstock Park Stud

Mr. A.E. Brandon 1 7

The Carey Park Stud

Mr. Robert Huggins 1 15

The Endeavour Stud

Mr. A.O.S. Keeling 0 3

The Nonpariel Stud

Mr. E.S. Harvey 1 12

The Angels Stud Mr. V.N. Aguilar 1 7The Gilnock

StudMr. L. Densham 1 5

The Mona Stud Hon. G. Seymour-Seymour O.B.E

2 11

The Grierfield Stud

Mr. F. Roper 3 26

The Unity Valley Stud

Mr. C.L. Roper 0 3

Source:- The Jamaica Racing Commission

Knutsford’s High Standard

The 1948 racing was still young when the announcement the island’s racing set-up had anxiously been awaiting was carried one morning on the front page of the “Gleaner”-£15,000 worth of British bloodstock for Jamaica”. The news that thirty English fillies were to be imported here to race amongst themselves and when their track career ended become brood mares seemed a myth to the doubting Thomases. But when Lord Manton, a representative of the British Bloodstock Agency left Jamaica after a visit to the island, he went with the instructions for his concern to supply the order. With the spiraling cost of everything it is expected that the ambitious scheme will entail an expenditure of over £16,000. That is the story in 1948 of those who play a major role in guiding the destiny of a sport that provides employment for many of our people. Knutsford has set itself a very high standard indeed; and its aim is not merely to maintain that standard but to eclipse it. In keeping the industry firmly and progressively on its legs, the difficulties in the path have been numerous. But they have never doubted their ability to do it.

The spirit, the code of Knutsford will remain the same, cementing in 43 years of unceasing service. In 1905, breeders, owners and the general public all hailed a new era for local racing. Today we enjoy the amenities of that new era made possible by progressive thinking, square dealing, and the recognition of the right of every racing group to share in the communal prosperity. What is the position today? Increased purses, increased quotas, mounting enthusiasm all round and more horses. Knutsford has had its dark periods—but it has never shied from these periods since it was during periods like these that the leadership, wise and resolute, paid off. It is a policy of defiance and reliance that has never failed. There is no man without enemies; nor is there such a concern. These enemies are born of envy-but since it is better to be envied than pitied Knutsford has never worried itself over the spiteful critics.

From the Knutsford Park Supplement Pp ll, 1948

Racing In 1947

Though it is now two years since the cessation of hostilities, the state in which the world finds itself today can hardly be called peace. Apart from the fact that international relations all over the world have steadily degenerated, the wastage of war has been so great that, except in what is known as the “hard” currency counties, which comprise most

of the New World, shortages of food, equipment, and money restrict the individual to a standard of living little better than when the war was raging. Jamaica, though luckier than most, also feels the pinch, not in lack of money, which is on the whole plentiful, but in the lack of the opportunity to spend it on useful things. Demand far outstrips supply and consumer goods go up and up in price.

Nothing illustrates this last statement more than a comparison of the cost of oats, which has risen in the last nine years from 16 /- to 57/-a bag. This has worked great hardship on the most important man in racing, the owner, for it means that the cost of keeping a horse in training has more than doubled, and even though purses have gone up considerably, they have not kept pace with the rising cost of horse ownership. It is on this account that racing in Jamaica is passing through a difficult period. Owners who used to have horses in training now can afford to keep only two, and many who would like to keep one have perforce to remain outside the ranks of owners.

The heartening fact remains, however, that Jamaicans are devoted to the sport of horse racing. Attendances at the races at Knutsford Park in December, though not as good as they might be, showed a definite improvement, and if the Government could be persuaded to reduce the destructive betting tax on the pari-mutual turnover, racing would be again in the sight of prosperity.

Years ago in England the Government, hard pressed for revenue, decided to increase the tax on beer. It soon found, however, that the consumption of beer fell so sharply that the total garnered from this source showed a decline instead of an increase. The tax was so restrictive that it defeated its own ends and was quickly repealed. The 10% tax on the Pari-Mutuel is just such a levy, and there is no doubt that if it were reduced the Government would not lose a penny in revenue. The authorities, however, seem to be adamant on the subject.

From:-“The Racing Yaer in Jamaica, Volume X”, Compiled and published by E.L.C. Burke, page 1.

Notes from the 1947 “Winning Lists”.

Winning Owners

By winning the colossal sum of £4,660 in the stakes, Mr. L.R. Maall has shattered every record which has ever been made in the history of Jamaica racing. It was only last year that the Hon. George Seymour Seymour broke his own record in winning over £3000, but Mr. “Bob” Mayall’s feat surpase this. Mr. Mayall has owned race-horse almost from the day he made Jamaica his home. He has had good years before this, and as will happen with every owner, poor years as well. Nobody knows better how to take the rough with the smooth, and it is quite certain that the popular cigar man will not expect every year to be as pleasurable and profitable as 1947. Mr. Mayall races in paternership with Mr. Ronald Robinson, his trainer Millard Ziadie has an interest in Blue Streak, and Mr. Leslie Robinson an interest in Apollinaris.

In second place comes “Mr. David and Miss Doreen” son and daughter of Mr. Frankie Lyons. This partnership has been in a short time amazingly successful as the number of cups and trophies won will show. After a poor beginning they ended up with a string of successes which almost emulated Mr. Mayall’s. The Dauber should win some nice races as a three years old and so should the greatly improved Aristo.

Mr. Michael Ziadie, the proud owner of Patriotic Lady ( and if he is not proud he ought to be) is in third place. Towards the end of the year he parted with an interest in the filly to his brother Mr. Joe Ziadie. Both are among the keenest of owners and with Sharafelden standing at Hughenden Farm nothing is more certain that in due course we shall see young Sharafeldens running in the Ziadie colours.

Winning Trainers

Millard Ziadie, leading trainer in 1946, smashed every record in remaining at the head of the list for 1947 with a total of no less than £6,525 in stakes. Blue Streak, of course, accounted for a large proportion of the total, but winners came out of the stable with unfailing regularity. Millard Ziadie has learned his profession in a very few years, and learnt it very well. He takes extreme pains with all his horses at every stage of their preparation, and it was quite remarkable how he succeeded in bringing out horse after horse in the full bloom of fitness and keeping him there without a sign of staleness. It It can be truthfully said that never once did he saddle a horse throughout the season which did not look well.

Gerry Skelton turned out 28 winners from his Knutsford Park stables and is in second place. Never a person to overate any of his charges, he is less likely than most to keep a bad horse in his stable, which is one of the reasons for his success.

W. “Billy” Pick won his fair share of races to be in fourth place. His best patron Mr. Seymour had a bad year, and they no doubt were both disappointed in the two year old Painted Slipper of whom great things were expected.

Winning Breeders

Mr.O.Hussey as the breeder of Blue Streak tops the list of winning breeders in spite of the fact that the bay gelding was the only horse to represent him.

Second is Mr. William Read who we predicted a couple years ago would soon be taking a prominent place on this list. Unfortunately the popular head of the St. Ann Racing Club is not likely to remain in a high place for very long, since he has now disposed of his mares.

Mr. C. L. Roper’s name always appears on this list, and it is one of the oldest and best known in the history of Jamaican racing.

Winning Jockeys

For the second year in succession Arthur Jones is way out in front in the number of winning mounts. If he keeps this up it is not hard to visualize him becoming known as the Gordon Richards of Jamaica. Besides riding winners they have other things in common. Arthur is exceptionally quick out of the gate, and like his famous prototype he takes his profession seriously and eschews treading the primrose path which so often leads to an early eclipse.

Clifford Stewart rode as first jockey to Gerry Skelton and made good use of a wonderful opportunity. He need only remain attached to this stable to be sure of riding winners in the future.

Levi Ellis, as jockey to Mr. L.R. Mayall (or alternatively Millard Ziadie) is also on a good thing. He is a very big man as jockeys go, and cannot get 9 st. without sweating. This naturally limits his riding opportunities, but he is recognized as the strongest finisher of all, with perhaps exception of George Castle.


Name of Farm Conducted By Number of Stallions

Number of BroodmaresOn the farm (resident & visiting)

The Carey Park Stud

Mr. Robert Huggins 1 23

The Endeavour Hon.Capt. H.S. McGraft 2 7The Mona Stud Hon. G. Seymour-

Seymour O.B.E.2 26

The Nonpareil Stud


The Sharrow Stud

Dr. G.O. Rushie Grey 0 5

(Source:- The Jamaica Racing Commission)

Racing in 1949Early in 1949 the Jockey Club of Jamaica, in its wisdom, approved of the setting

up of what came to be known as a “Probing Committee”, whose duty was to enquire into the reason for the growing unpopularity of racing. Up to the close of the year the Report of this Committee had not been received, but it would seem as if the reason for its establishment had been based on false premises, for, far from suffering from unpopularity, racing in 1949 struck a new high as a form of popular entertainment, and support which the sport received from the public during the year entirely refuted the suggestion that there was any reason to think that a remedy for the unpopularity was needed.

The changing of the character of the Jamaica Sweepstake, which had occurred for the first time in the December 1948 Sweep, was repeated with even more disastrous results in the Easter 1949 Sweep, although, by having to take over a vast number of unsold tickets, the Promoters somewhat reduced their losses by fortuitous winning, with these tickets , of a number of major prizes. It was obvious , however, that, whatever the reason, the public would not support this new method of operation, and for the other two Sweepstakes conducted during 1949 the old system was reverted to. This made a

tremendous difference, for both these Sweeps proved absolutely overwhelming successes, and for the Promoters were once again assured of an adequate income from the Sweepstakes, without which it would be quite impossible for racing to have continued to be carried on on any worth while scale at all.

Another big loss sustained by the Promoting Company during the year under review was over the imported fillies scheme. It is sad to reflect that a scheme such as this, which should have proved an absolute godsend to racing in the Island, turned out to be a major financial failure due solely to the fact that the class of filly (with, perhaps , one or two exceptions) was entirely below that which could and should have been expected for the prices paid.

(Extracted from “The Racing Year In Jamaica”, Vol. XII (!949, published and edited by C.D. Alexander in collaboration with Gerald Farquharson, and L.R. Mayall. Kingston, Jamaica B.W.I. pp 1 & 2.

FROM THE WINNING LIST 1949

Winning Owners1. Major H. Barker-Halo2. “Mr. Roger”3. Mr. L.R. Mayall4. Merrick Stock Farm5. Mr. “Ossie” Steele

Winning Trainers1. Millard Ziadie ( four years in a row)2. Mr. A. T. Grannum3. Gerry Skelton4. Alty McKenzie5. Leslie Jones6. Billy Pick7. Vin Neita

Winning Jockeys1. Arthur Jones2. Egbert Barr3. Clifford Stewart4. D. Taylor (apprentice)5. Lorenzo Bloomfield (apprentice)6. Frankie Frazer (apprentice)

Winning Breeders 1. Mr. William Read (the second year straight) 2. Mr. Robert Huggins3. Hon G. Seymour-Seymour4. Mrs. Juliette Brandon5. Mr. E.S. Harvey




The Endeavour Stud

Hon. Capt. H.S. McGarth

1 7

The Mona Stud Hon. Seymour-Seymour

2 32

The Nonpareil Stud


The Silver Sand Stud

Mr. Robert Huggins

1 12


Racing In 1950

We wrote last year that indications suggested that 1950 would be one of the best years that horse-racing in Jamaica had ever experienced. Truth compels us now to admit that the results of the year have not justified our optimism.

It is true that the pari-mutuel turnover was actually about 17% bigger than in previous years, and that the attendance at race meetings, as indicated by gate receipts, showed little or no decrease, but in spite of those heartening facts, it has to be admitted that there was an indefinable something lacking from the over-all picture, and that it would be futile to pretend that racing really reached the pinnacle which all who are interested in the sport wish to see it attain. It is a remarkable and disquieting fact that but for the income derived from the operation of the Sweerstakes it would be impossible for racing to be conducted in the Island at all. That the sport cannot earn sufficient from its own operation to pay its way is something which no one can view with complacency, and one which requires most careful thought and handling.

Racing does enjoy considerable popularity with a certain section of the public, but it is highly desirable that that popularity should be extended to embrace at least twice as many persons as now habitually attend race meetings. The public must be made race minded to a far greater extent than they are at present, and only when that is done will the sport earn a sufficiently large income to make it independent of any outside assistance-Sweepstakes or otherwise- and stand firmly on its own feet as the premier sporting pastime in the Island. To do this should be the aim and ambition of everyone in any way connected with the promotion of the sport, for only when this is accomplished will it be possible for the numerous improvements and innovations necessary for the proper carrying on of the sport to be done, and racing draw the crowds and prove the attraction to the general public that it does in other countries.

The Probing Committee, which was appointed by the Jockey Club in 1949, duly made its report to that Body in 1950, but the report, as presented, was unacceptable to the majority of the members and was rejected by them. Whether they were right or not in so doing is a matter of opinion, but we think that it is an undoubted fact that it is useless for any Committee to make recommendations for the betterment of racing unless provision is also made for the funds to implement those recommendations. The defects pointed out by the Committee in its report are all well known to the Promoting Companies, but without the funds to remedy the situation they can do nothing.

(Extracted from “The Racing Year In Jamaica”, Vol. XIII (!949, published and edited by C.D. Alexander in collaboration with Gerald Farquharson, and L.R. Mayall. Kingston, Jamaica B.W.I.pp. 1 & 2.

FROM THE WINNING LISTS

Winning Owners1. Mr. L.R. Mayall2. Merrick Stock Farm3. “Master” Michael Williams4. Messrs T.F. Ziadie and M. Ziadie5. Mr. T.F. Ziadie (the records stand and cannot be remedied)6. Aledec Farm7. Mr. Oswald Steele

Winning Trainers1. Millard Ziadie2. Gerry Skelton3. A.T. Grannum4. Dan JacksonVin Neita5. John Hanna6. C.D. (Bobby) Alexander

Winning Jockeys1. Arthur Jones

2. Bent3. Levi Ellis4. Egbert Barr5. “Sticky”Myton

Winning Breeders1. Mr. E.S. Harvey2. Mr. T.F. Ziadie3. Hon. G.Seymour-Seymour4. Mrs Judiette Brandon5. Mr. H.V. Alexander6. Mr. R.F. Huggins



Number of Broodmares

On the farm (resident & visiting)

Nonpareil Stud Mr. E.S. Harvey 2 23Merrick Stock Farm Mr. F.M. Watson 1 8The Endeavour Stud Hon. Capt. H.S.

McGrath1 9

The Mona Sud Hon. G. Seymour-Seymour

0 4

The Spring Garden Stud (Albion, St. Thomas)

Hon. Seymour-Seymour

3 20

At Pembroke Hall (St. Andrew)

Mr. O. M. Steele 0 3

At Content (St. Elizabeth) Mr. R. C. James 0 3At Sharrow (Constant Spring)

Dr. G. O. Rushie-Grey

0 8

At Glasgow (St. James) Mr. R.C. McFarlane

1 1

At Trafalgar Park Mr. Michael Ziadie

0 1

Silver Sand Stud Mr. Robert 1 12

HugginsAt Birdsucker Farm (St. Andrew)

Mr. C.D. Alexander

1 8

At Pleasant Farm (Moneague)

Tewfik Hanna 1 3

At Clover, Mandeville Mr. A.G. Robinson

0 3

At Hughenden Farm (St. Andrew)

Mr. T. F. Ziadie 0 3


Racing in 1951

Expectations that the standard of racing in Jamaica would take an upward turn during 1951 were unfortunately not realized. Instead, the sport seemed to fall into the doldrums in a way that was as inexplicable as it was disturbing, and although its appeal to the public seemed as great as ever on occasions, the fact remains that racing could by no means be regarded as having proved itself to be the premier sporting pastime in the island during the year.

That this should be so, is a matter for very real concern. Jamaica admittedly produces the best type of thoroughbred horse in the entire Caribbean area. That this is the case has been proved by the almost uninterrupted run of success enjoyed by Jamaica-bred horses in Trinidad and Panama ( the two principal countries of export) for a number of years past. The quality of the bloodstock available to breeders in the island will bear favourable comparison with those to be found in almost any other country, and yet, in

spite of these undoubted assets, racing, instead of booming , is in a condition which must give rise to considerable anxiety.

What is the reason for this unhappy state of affairs? There can be little doubt that the principal one is a scarcity of owners, and, above all, of owners of a better type. Until racing in Jamaica can attract and hold the interest and support of men of substance and standing in the community, so long will the sport continue to languish. Facts are stubborn things, and the only way to deal with them is to face them squarely. And that it is a fact that a number of men who today own racehorses in Jamaica have no right to be doing so is something no one can deny. Owning racehorses cannot, and will never, be a poor man’s game. It costs £5 10/- per week to keep a single horse in training, and that without any of the incidentals such as shoeing, plating, etc, being included. How can the average wage earner possibly afford such an expense? It simply cannot be done, and that is why it is a matter for so much comment and criticism when men of straw are seen so frequently among the ranks of local owners. That racing somehow has no appeal to men who could afford to be owners is a lamentable fact. The tittle tattle about malpractices in the sport (which are practically non-existent), and other unfounded rumours, have unquestionably deterred some from entering ownership, but these by themselves could not be the sole cause why so many wealthy men, who attend and enjoy race meetings, decline to own a horse or two. There must be other reasons, and not until those reasons are ascertained and eradicated there will be no improvement in the sport, for it is money that makes the mare go, and racing can never flourish in any country unless men of substance and standing give it their wholehearted support.

As an inevitable corollary to the shortage of owners is the equally alarming shortage of horses in training. During the whole of 1951, 204 individual horses at one time or the other were seen in action on our racecourses. But of that number no fewer than 53 competed in no more than one or two races each, leaving only 151 horses to fill the 202 races that were run for during the year- a number that was obviously totally inadequate to provide proper fields of horses and thereby infuse that sustained public interest which is so vital to the well-being of the sport.

Last year we expressed the hope that, with the Sweepstakes proving more popular and profitable than ever, it would be possible for the Promoting Companies to offer at no distant date the higher purses which would prove of such benefit to the future welfare of racing. That hope is again repeated, for, with the fantastic cost of feed and everything else that goes with the maintenance of a racehorse in training, bigger and better purses have become the No.1 necessity if ownership is to be expanded. For there to be races at Knutsford Park which still provide a miserable £40 to the winner is such an absurdity that requires no further comment. Whatever the class of horse, be it “settler” or champion, it still cost the same to keep. For the owner of any horse to be rewarded with £40 when he does win a race at the Headquarters of the local Turf is something that should be beyond the realms of possibility, and yet that is just what occurred on many occasions during 1951.

One very popular and beneficial innovation was, however, introduced by the Promoters during the year. This was the providing of purse money for every horse that finished fourth in a handicap or weight –for-age event. It is true that in many of these races the amount of the fourth money was not specified, the somewhat remarkable statement that “the fourth horse saves its stakes” being inserted in the conditions. As there were no stakes attached to any of the races there were obviously none for the fourth horse to save, but, what was really meant was that the owner of the fourth horse to pass the judge got back the nomination fee which he had paid in connection with the race- a concession which was of real assistance to many owners.

(Extracted from:- Racing in 1951 in -The Racing Year in Jamaica , Volume XIV. , Published by C.D . Alexander, Edited and compiled by Gerald Farquharson, pp 1-3)

On The Winning List 1951

Owners1. Mr. Oswald Steele2. The Merrick Stock Farm3. Mr. H.O.A. Dayes4. “Master Michael Williams”

Trainers1. Dan Jackson-“Dapper Dan”2. Gerry Skelton3. Vin Neita4. Millard Ziadie 5. Johnie Harrison6. Owen Silvera

Jockeys

1. Arthur Jones2. Clifford Stewart3. Frankie Frazer4. “Sticky” Myton5. Egbert Barr6. Levi Ellis


Name of Farm Conducted By Number of Number of

Stallions BroodmaresOn the farm (resident & visiting)

Nonpareil Stud Mr. E.S. Harvey 2 17The Mona Stud Sir G. Seymour-

Seymour O.B.E.0 4

Merrick Stock Farm Mr. F.M. Watson 1 9Sharrow Stud Dr. G.O. Rushie-Grey 0 8

Glasgow (St. James) Mr. R.C. McFarlane 1 3Content (St. Elizabeth)

Mr. R. C. James 0 3

New Market Pen (Clarendon)

Mr. C.R. March 1 12

Golden Spring (St.Andrew)

Mr. O.M. Steele 0 3

Trafalgar Park Stud Mr. J.Ziadie 1 19The Spring (St.

Thomas)Mr. G. Seymour-Seymour O.B.E.

1 23

Silver Sands Studs Mr. Robert Huggins 1 10(Source:- The Jamaica Racing Commission)

The Racing Seasons 1964 & 1965

The years 1964 and 1965 saw an increase over the previous years in attendance. This naturally meant more betting and one would imagine more rewards for the Promoters who provide us with reasonable good entertainment. There was an overall increase in purse- money and although this reflected on the overall statistics and eased the lot of the owners of the lower class horses, those just below the top could do with a few pounds more.

Considering the purse-money two decades ago and comparing it with now now can hope that with the proposed legislation for the licensing of bookmakers, the Owners and Trainers, Breeders and Promoters as well as every one participating in this sport will enjoy the benefits that will accrue from the legislation of betting on Horse Racing.

(Extracted from The Racing Year in Jamaica vol. XXIII , 1964-1965, edited by John Bradbury, Associated Editor David Clarke, Compiled and published by John Bradbury, Records by L.R. Mayall and A.A. Cole)

From The Winning List 1964

Winning Owners

1. Mr. P.W. Chung2. Mr. Ivan R. Lyn3. Messrs Caymanas Estates Limited4. Mr Sibert George5. Mr. J.W. Hardie, Dr. C. S. Dryden & Dr. V. Magnus

Winning Trainers

1. A. E. Williams2. M. Silvera3. G. Skelton4. M. Heron5. J.W. Ziadie

Winning Jockeys

1. W. Ellis2. N. Cousley3. G. Walker4. A. Jones5. G. Searchwell

Stud News

The major significant change on the stud farms was the retirement to the stud of the Irish horse Assurance and the gallant Chavalier who retired last season. Chevalier had a good looking crop of foals.

As Chevalier got some of the best mares in Jamaica in foal, his future prospects as a stallion should be bright.

With the retirement of Chevalier to the stud, Mr. R.C. McFarlane bought See Saw who has done so well as a sire of handicappers and now stands at the Glasgow Stud.

There was also some further fragmentation in the once powerful Colbeck Stud as they disposed of many more mares. Din and Blue Warbler going to Mr. Ian Henderson’s Orange Valley Stud while Mr. Lyn Kee Chow acquired a number of young mares who were fair handicappers. There was good grass throughout the year and mortality rate for foals was negligible.




Aguilar Stud Mr. A.H.B. Aguilar 1 4Stud at Old

HarbourDr. J.H. Beckford 1 5

Dawkins Caymanas Stud

Caymanas Estate Ltd.

2 11

Glasgow Stud Mr. R.C. McFarlane 1 9

Mandeville Stud Mr. J. Lyn Kee Chow

3 6

Montrose Stud - 0 4Montpelier Stud B.C. Burke 2 3

Racing Blood Stud Mr. Israel (Jerry) Williams

1 7

At Woodburn C.D. Alexander 2 7Y.S. Stud ltd. - 2 10Orange Valley

StudOrange Valley

Estates ltd.1 18


Stud News 1965

Quite unlike last year, this column notes the great mortality rate of foals in 1965. Y.S. Stud alone suffering the loss of three. The foals of the very excellent race mare Parasite, who is a half sister to the good filly a few seasons ago in England My Dreams; Hebrew Song’s colt by Chevalier and a bay filly by Chevalier out of the more than useful Heirloom.

The fragmentation of the Colbeck Stud continues. Arising out of this was the formation of a new farm, the May Pen Stud, conducted by Mr. Ramsay Chang. Mr Chang acquired the mare Shoshoni Guide, Princess Royal, Chamoselle, Inny,Chantey and Escapade from Colbeck and supplemented these with the acquisition of Sixth Symphony, Glengarry and others.

This farm is yet to acuire a stallion, but with the minimum of luck, should do very well indeed, as there is little doubt, if any, of the quality of the nucleus of the mares on this farm.

Mr. C.D. Alexander, no stranger to this column, has also developed the Woodburn Stud. At this farm the mares were hand-picked by Mr. Alexander and if his 1965 crop of foals are indicative of things to come he should soon find himself well placed on the breeders’ list for the next few years.




Aguilar Stud Mr. A.H.B. Aguilar 1 4Stud at Old

HarbourDr. J.H. Beckford 1 4

Dawkins Caymanas Stud

Caymanas Estate Ltd.

3 16

Bowden Stud Mr. Richard Jackson

0 4

Mandeville Stud Mr. L. Lyn Kee Chow

4 16

May Pen Stud Mr. R. Chang 0 13Montpelier Stud Mr. B.C. Burke 2 3Montrose Stud Mr. H. McDonald 0 4Orange Valley

StudOrange Valley

Estate ltd.1 16

Racing Blood Stud Mr. Israel (Jerry) Williams

1 4

Whitehall Stud Mr. E.S. Harvey 2 15Woodburn Stud C.D. Alexander 1 9

Y.S. Stud - 2 10(Source:- The Jamaica Racing Commission)

The Winning List 1965

` Heading the trainers’ list this year is Laurie Silveria, son of the veteran trainer Owen Silvera, who but for losing his license last year might very well have topped the trainers’ list.

Laurie finished nearly £5 000 ahead of last year’s champion A.E. “Billy” Williams, but actually trained 2 winners less than the runner-up who train 56 winners, very much in the Elsey pattern who although out of the reckoning, purse wise, most seasons invariably train the most winners in the English season. Mrs Eileen Cliggot advanced form 7th. Place to third, winning 4 times the number of races she won the previous season and more than twice the purse-money she secured the previous year.

Trevor McKenzie, son of the ex-ace rider Reggie McKenzie, ended the season as Champion Jockey of 1965 riding 45 winners; the same total Winston Ellis , the Champion of 1964 rode that year.

Ellis, who finished 2nd. Rode 39 winners of 202 rides with Mattis, who finished third topping the average as he does every year riding 18 horses.

David McKenzie, son of trainer Alty McKenzie , finished 4th with 35 winners while the aging Arthur Jones finished 5th with 27 wins.

Knutsford Today 2009

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