LAST race day, July 18, the racing industry’s regulatory body, the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC), highlighted its recognition of the operatives and great racehorses that have made significant contributions deserving of immortality in the annals of thoroughbred racing history in Jamaica. The categories of Hall of Fame nominees are designated racing personalities to include all administrators (public and private sector), owners and breeders. Other headings account for trainers, jockeys, grooms and racehorses.
By way of a reminder, or for those who may not be aware, among the administrators Sir John Mordecai, the founding chairman of the 1975 JRC, heads the list of the most distinguished as he was instrumental in establishing the 1977 Racing Rules and a well-appointed Statistics Department in tandem with Richard Ashenheim, track and field stats aficionado as well as a former president of the JAAA. Recently departed past Chairman Dennis H Lalor, who followed Sir John, took protection of the integrity of the racing product to an uncompromising but fair level, so much so that the sanctions for breaches of the Racing Rules were unjustifiably and unwisely deemed “draconian”. Under the succeeding chairmen, Ren Gonzalves, Gerald Grindley, Gordon Robinson, Linton Walters, Rudolph Muir, Anthony Shoucair and Clovis Metcalfe, the Lalor model has been strictly honoured — and there was no departure from sending the message that protecting the integrity of the racing product is a fundamental dynamic influencing the survival of the industry.
Apart from persons engaged directly by the regulatory body and the promoting company, as well as the occupational groups, interestingly — and this just underscores the range of personalities — are bookmakers Frank Watson, Melville Chin and Cecil Charlton, along with promoter Joseph Armond, recognised pioneers in driving interest in facilitating the enjoyment of wagering. Even more interesting is inductee Rita McKenzie, late seamstress, who was married to a trainer, Alty, with two of their sons, David and Don, jockeys whilst a third, John, was a trainer. In her own right, for five decades she was the principal designer and manufacturer of the colours chosen by most owners.
Also of interest is that two distinguished past racing journalists of The Gleaner, L D “Strebor” Roberts and Gussie “Hot Tip” Marks, made the list of honorees.
Summary from source