By Eric Collymore
December 19, 2024
Horse racing in Guyana is one step closer to being officially regulated with the introduction of the Horse Racing Authority Bill in Parliament.
The Bill was read at the 90th sitting of the National Assembly on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone for the sport.
The absence of regulation in the local horse racing industry has been a long-standing concern.
Developed over the past two years with input from the horse racing community, the new legislation aims to address not only the sport but also issues related to betting and gambling within the industry.
This follows earlier attempts at creating legislation, such as the 2014 proposal, which were not successful.
The Horse Racing Authority Bill seeks to establish a formal Guyana Horse Racing Authority tasked with overseeing major stables, officials, jockeys, and handlers.
Key provisions of the Bill include expanding the Authority’s membership, introducing term limits, and implementing licensing for owners, jockeys, and trainers.
These changes are expected to bring much-needed structure, clarity, and oversight to the sport.
Horse racing in Guyana, often referred to as the “sport of kings,” is known for its substantial prize money but has lacked proper regulatory frameworks for decades.
The introduction of this Bill represents a major step toward the formal recognition and regulation of the sport in the country.