Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport Charles Ramson Jr. has introduced the Horse Racing Authority Bill in Parliament, aiming to regulate and modernize horse racing in Guyana for the first time. The bill includes provisions to address violations, expand the Authority’s membership, introduce term limits, and implement licensing for owners, jockeys, and trainers. This move is expected to bring clarity, structure, and oversight to the industry, marking a significant step toward formal recognition and regulation.
The Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA) had previously developed draft legislation for the sport in 2014, but it had not progressed beyond that stage until now. Minister Ramson Jr. had assured earlier in the year that the draft was completed and the bill would be tabled, leading to the implementation of the needed regulatory framework for horse racing in the country. This development is seen as a positive step forward for the industry in Guyana.
The Horse Racing Authority Bill, officially known as Bill No. 23 of 2024, is expected to bring about significant changes in the horse racing industry in Guyana. With provisions to regulate and modernize the sport, address violations, and introduce licensing for key stakeholders, the bill aims to provide clarity and oversight to the industry. This move is a crucial step toward formal recognition and regulation of horse racing in the country.
