Horses Are People Too
At the races, punters endure a barrage of declared and undeclared equipment changes often made to confuse us and mask larcenous intent. The only way to combat these mind-flaying attacks is …
Game Changer
On Friday, September 23, one of the most boring courts in the land issued a ruling which, to those who pay close enough attention, changes the landscape the Jamaican worker must …
Variety Is the Spice of Racing
Most Jamaicans who only know Caymanas Park ask me why I’m so interested in English racing. It wasn’t always that way. During my primary and secondary school years, I was a …
Whipping Up Interest In The Derby
Abuse of horseflesh in the name of sport and entertainment continues unabated at Caymanas Park. In Public Opinion’s issue of June 25, 2021 (Whipping up interest in the St. Leger), I …
Iconic Legacies Need Protecting
There’s much discussion at the track these days about purse increases. Maybe a little history would be illuminating for those of us with short memories or lives (so far). In 1989 …
We Have A Breathing Problem
Indigenous Jamaican language is nothing if not brilliantly colourful and descriptive. I’m sure many of us have come across someone temporarily (hopefully) short of breath who gasps “Mi cyan breed.” Well, …
Parallel Times And Speed Figures
Survivors of last issue’s boring mathematics lesson can now calculate your own Standard (Par) Times and daily Track Variants. Congratulations on your Masters Degree in Speed. Now what? It’s time for …
Track Variants De-Mystified
More than two years ago, I gave general advice (Public Opinion’s Birthday; Your Gift – Speed!) about how to assess speed. It’s time for more advanced study. “Oh my ears and …
National Commitment Means Subduing Egos
Women’s football is now in national sporting headlines with the success of our under 17 women’s World Cup squad in the Dominican Republic. They have convincingly beaten their Caribbean/CFU counterparts, showing …
The Davis Principle
One of the most confusing handicapping conundrums for many horse players comes when horses that spend time in restricted allowances venture into claiming company. If, as I’ve done, you’ve taken the …
Eeether Or Eyether
For decades, Jamaican horsemen and purveyors of horseracing opinion have debated whether Jamaica should introduce a tote monopoly. The “debate” has proceeded on the premise that we currently have two players …