In the information age, where wagering drives engagement, horse racing on this side of the Atlantic has undeniably lost ground to other major sports.
Astonishingly, the 1930 inaugural claiming system—rooted in an artificial classification of horse populations—remains in place 94 years later, despite its role in the sport’s progressive decline in popularity.
In contrast, horse racing in jurisdictions across Eurasia, including the British Isles, continental Europe, Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, India, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, faces no such existential threat.
These regions benefit from genuine classification systems that ensure horses of similar ability compete, enhancing wagering appeal and preserving the sport’s integrity.
Unlike the limited, challenged American approach, these countries foster real, nuanced racing knowledge, which is notably absent in Jamaica.
They remain committed to genuine classification systems that drive wagering success.
However, a pressing concern for promoters in these thriving territories is the ongoing shortage of foals.
The situation has worsened over the past three decades, with the U.S. foal crop declining from 41,333 in 1991 to 17,200 in 2023.
Concurrently, the number of annual races dropped from 71,689 to 35,989, leading to racetrack closures and leaving many investors stranded.
It is imperative that proponents of the outdated claiming system reconsider their stance.
Although 38 out of 50 U.S. states now allow gambling, horse racing has struggled to capitalize on this shift due to a conservative anti-gaming ideology.
In response, the U.S. Jockey Club has tasked the Equibase Company with transitioning to classification, effectively adopting a system of handicap races.
The flawed perpetuation of the 1930 U.S. claiming system has been disastrous for the local racing industry.
A critical misstep was the shift in ownership dynamics—moving from a hobby for wealthy enthusiasts to an ill-conceived business model promoting the buying and selling of racehorses for profit.
This approach undermined the sport’s original appeal, leading to a decline in owners and participants.
The claiming system also alienated the broader audience. Its incomprehensible nature transformed horse racing from a mass-appeal sport to a niche market product.
Consequently, the industry failed to benefit from population and economic growth, which has expanded by over 33% in the 33 years since the introduction of claiming.
The completion of Caymanas Park in 1959 marked a significant leap forward, replacing the uneven grass surface of Knutsford Park with an 1,820-metre circuit featuring a 1,000-metre straight course and two chutes for longer races.
At the time, Caymanas Park was the most expansive track in the Pan-American region.
The installation of a state-of-the-art electromagnetic tote system and the establishment of 12 off-track betting points further revolutionized the sport.
By 1963, the issuance of licenses to bookmakers had led to the establishment of 13 companies operating over 600 betting offices islandwide, supported by a Bookmakers’ Levy Scheme that contributed to the Consolidated Fund and the breeding industry.
However, under the flawed claiming system, the government was forced to guarantee US$40 million to keep Caymanas Track Limited operational until its divestment in 2017.
Seven years into Supreme Ventures Limited’s ownership, it is clear that the challenges were far greater than initially anticipated.
Under the handicap system, the racing calendar expanded from 28 meetings in 1960 to 84 by 1992, with annual growth of 10% or 300% cumulatively.
During this period, the industry boasted nearly 1,000 owners and over 900 broodmares. In contrast, those numbers have dwindled to fewer than 600 owners and 300 broodmares today.
Notably, the handicap system consistently averaged 115 runners and 11-12 races per meeting in 1992.
Where is the comparable growth under the claiming system in the U.S., Canada, Panama, Puerto Rico, and Jamaica?
For over three decades, I have argued that the issue lies not with the claiming tags but with the convoluted, customer-unfriendly artificial classification of horse populations.
This system results in smaller field sizes, an abundance of odds-on favorites, and races with excessively wide margins of victory.
It diminishes the quality of the racing product, as inferior horses frequently concede weight to superior ones, undermining competitiveness in over 95% of races.
This, in turn, reduces wagering turnover and weakens the industry’s overall appeal.
