Has sports improved or declined over the decades in Guyana

May 28, 2023 Sports

Asks Samuel Whyte…

Kaieteur Sports – If one is to really take a critical look at sports in Guyana and more so horseracing a critical question to be asked, is what has changed over the decades.

Looking back at some articles I did decades ago and looking at the administration and conduct of sport in Guyana at the moment, it can be concluded that not much has changed.

Anyone or most of those articles can simply be regurgitated and get the same result. If anything it could spell some steep decline despite Guyana now being awash with finances.

The conduct of most sports in Guyana leaves much to be desired, but let us look at horseracing for now.

There is still no Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA) in place despite races being held.

Notwithstanding the influx of large sums of money, things still leaves much to be desired and with no proper rules in place persons cannot be sanctioned.
Most of those involved in the horseracing business are putting most of the blame at the feet of the Government for refusing to come to the assistance of the sport which once brought glory and honour to Guyana.

Their main bone of contention is the government laxity in laying the drafted horseracing legislation in parliament for it to be discussed and become law, despite it being presented decades ago.

The sport can however take some credit for maintaining its large crowd appeal and upping prize moneys.  Blame can also be thrown to some of those responsible for running the sports like organised Gymkhana’s.
Whilst some clubs and owners are pointing that the media is going after them, it is not so, we are just trying to help those responsible to get their acts together.

Closing dates are rarely observed and entries are sometimes allowed until race day. Crowd control is still a problem with persons and animals on the track at the same time even during races. Betting should be controlled and there needs to be a reintroduction of the betting booths.
Doping is still widespread in the business. This scenario could well be a case for the Guyana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is also being blamed.

One pertinent question being asked is, over the years the Government has gotten involved in the controversies of Cricket and Football and tried to bring solutions. What happen to horse racing?
Again it is being urged that those responsible get their act together fast and help save the “Sport of Kings” from further decline and disrepute.