All across the developing world we are witnessing a spate of Presidential elections. Nigeria, Peru and Portugal are among the countries which have recently held or will be holding elections in the coming months. You can now add to the list the Presidential elections of the Arima Race Club (ARC) scheduled to be held on Sunday May 22. Few in T&T can honestly say they care about the elections in the countries above and maybe even less care about the ARC elections. But for those few who are interested in the ARC votes, the consequences of an adverse outcome are grave. Given the subterfuge, backbiting and deceit that seems to reside among the horseracing fraternity, it is probably necessary for a request to be made to the United Nations for independent observers to monitor the conduct of these elections. Caricom observers simply wouldn't suffice since there is the perception that they could be easily prone to manipulation–maybe that is also the reason for the lack of regional support for the Caribbean Court of Justice?
And if it is, it would be somewhat ironic in that the challenge from the left in this presidential race is from a slate of (independent or maybe unified) attorneys. The presidential race has boiled down to a race between Pierpont Scott (the incumbent) and Justice Wendell Kangaloo (the challenger). The intrigue revolves around the role of the ex-President and Betting Levy Board (BLB) chairman hopeful Kama Maharaj. This odyssey began sometime late last year, when in preparation for assuming the BLB chairmanship, Maharaj relinquished his position as ARC President and Pierpont Scott replaced him. The BLB chairmanship is still in limbo and as such, for as long as it remains in this state, Mr Maharaj cannot throw his hat back into the ring for the ARC Presidency. Like something out of the daytime soap opera-As The World Turns-up popped Justice Kangaloo, the apparent confidante and advisor to Mr Maharaj (at least on horse matters) to throw his hat into the ring. The intrigue is only just beginning. Kangaloo was a well-known advisor to Maharaj during the latter's tenure as President, so much so, that it is alleged that it was really Maharaj and Kangaloo who made the decisions and not the Board of the Arima Race Club, of which Scott was also a member.
It could very well be that Kangaloo was really the knowledge and the brain behind the decisions since his involvement in the sport and knowledge of the game is arguably superior to that of Maharaj's. Whatever the true nature of the dynamics between those two gentlemen, the reality is we now have a two-horse race in a bid to run the ARC. Let us look at some of the other dynamics at stake or in play. The ARC, together with the T&T Racing Authority (TTRA) and the Betting Levy Board (BLB) form the triumvirate that determine the future of the sport in this country. Of these three entities, the only one with its leadership confirmed is the TTRA, which is being led by Derek Chin, who is himself a former President of the ARC.
Chin is the brother-in-law of Scott and rumoured to be on the worst of terms with Maharaj. It is not clear what is the nature of the relationship between Chin and Kangaloo. Are you confused as yet? If so, do not be dismayed because legendary horseracing fiction journalist Dick Francis, whose novels are cleanly crafted and cleverly twisted, would struggle to imagine all of this and remain sane. If we set aside all of this and look at what it takes to successfully lead the ARC in a new direction, there are many very strong positives in favour of Scott. Scott is a well-known and very successful businessman who knows what it takes to make a business succeed. That is the approach needed for racing in T&T.
Scott's family has a long and rich tradition in horse racing in this country and throughout the Caribbean and even in the first world countries such as the United Kingdom. His vision is therefore not likely to be limited by what usually confines small island thinkers. Nor is he purely a racing man, since he is also actively involved in the breeding side of the industry. His love of the sport and sportsmanlike approach to his involvement are traits which most involved in the sport would do well to adopt. It is often said that you can tell the caliber of an individual by how they handle defeat and disappointment and in this regard Scott cannot be faulted. During his current stint as President, he has already averted one disaster arising out of the BLB's refusal to meet outstanding monies due to the court allegedly because of the absence of a chairman. He has also been out on the streets trying to drum up additional sponsorship for the sport. He is also not afraid to ask for other's opinions and clearly is a man that understands it takes a team to build an industry and not a mere "group" of friends.
In Kangaloo's favour would be his legal background which should assist in discerning the true issues underlining the sport, although those are fairly obvious, even to this writer. His involvement in the sport, although not as wide or as deep as Scott, is still very extensive and he has close relationships with many of the leading owners in the country who respect his knowledge of bloodlines and ultimately his eye for pedigree. His effort to revitalise the importations into this country, with some innovative ideas has to be fully respected. The fact that a number of other attorneys have thrown their hat in the ring for other positions on the Executive could be another plus for Kangaloo since it means that he should be able to secure more support in executing his agenda. On the down side would be the fact that most of the names called are not well known personalities in the sport and so it is not clear how they would be able to truly assist in achieving whatever agenda is in mind.Also there are a lot of persons that are generally wary of lawyers giving this country's experience with so many lawyers involved with government over the last 25 years.
One thing is certain, both men are intelligent and free thinkers and do not need horseracing monies to survive in any form or fashion...and that to me is critical in this entire voting matter. However what the industry needs is a leader with more than just ideas as to what can be done to preserve its future, it needs a leader who can execute these ideas. Both candidates for Presidency need to articulate their vision for the sport and elaborate on how they will make that vision a reality. Therefore I would suggest a debate with both men and the racing fraternity, which can be arranged by All Sports Promotion and Anthony Harford, whose independence cannot be faulted or questioned. This is not a 20/20 situation, the industry needs a 2012 vision and concrete plans to get us there. There is no honeymoon period; the leader needs to hit the ground running. Too often, members' interest in the ARC elections range from apathy to animosity. No one who professes to care about the sport can remain on the touch lines any longer. It is time for all members of the ARC to ask their potential leaders to communicate clearly where they see the sport and their intended role in propelling that journey. If it is one thing that the sport cannot afford at this time is a divided triumvirate. The ARC, BLB and TTRA need to find a way to work together in the common interest of the sport. If they don't or can't, then any victory in the ARC elections will be pyrrhic. For the first time in a very long time, there are two worthy contenders, men with prestige and honour, it will be a pity if they cannot work together in the best interest of the sport.