Edwards returned unopposed as JRTA president

VIN EDWARDS will serve a third term as president of the Jamaica Racehorse Trainers' Association (JRTA), having been returned unopposed at the annual general meeting held in the Trainers' Room at Caymanas Park on Sunday.

The large turnout of trainers unanimously endorsed his leadership, by returning the executive en bloc.

The former member of parliament, with over 40 years' experience as a trainer, was first elected to the post in 2004 when replacing Lee Clarke, and re-elected in 2008 in a disputed election.

This led to the intervention of the Jamaica Racing Commission and the formation of a breakaway association in 2009, the United Racehorse Trainers' Association of Jamaica, led by trainer Richard Todd.

UNOPPOSED ELECTION

Also returned unopposed by the 87 trainers present (71 eligible to vote) were Richard Donaldson (second vice-president) and Randolph Scott (secretary/treasurer).

The incumbent first vice-president, Dalton Lawrence, is reportedly off the island and did not seek re-election. Popular trainer Welsh Soutar, a former director, was elected unopposed to replace Lawrence as first vice-president.

Committee members elected were Gary Subratie, Fitzroy Glispie, Peter McMaster, Anthony Ferguson and Dalton Sirjue. Terrence McWhinney was co-opted as the sixth member on Monday morning.

Vin Lumsden was reappointed technical adviser and will work closely with Edwards.

In a post-election interview, Edwards said that even with the trainers population at Caymanas Park now divided into two camps, scores of trainers approached him and insisted that he run again.

"A year ago I had second thoughts about continuing, but given the level of support in recent months, people telling me that I still have a lot to contribute to improve the lot of trainers, I decided to give it another try.

"The support on Sunday was overwhelming, and I am totally convinced that the JRTA speaks on behalf of the vast majority of trainers at Caymanas Park," he emphasised.

"There are issues that need to be resolved, but this executive is committed to working with other stakeholders in the industry to resolve them, especially in these hard times," he said.

- Orville Clarke