There has been an evolving phenomenon in Canada and the United States, where many more of the Jamaica Racing Commission Riding School (JRCRS) graduates are finding opportunities to earn a living, doubling as declared race day jockeys and exercise riders. However, an examination of the horse population statistics will reveal a major concerning scenario going forward.

The fact of the matter is that over the last three-and-a-half decades, horse racing in those jurisdictions has seen an annual decline in the horse population, and consequently, there has been a significant decline in the number of races each succeeding season. For those who are not aware, the 82,708 North American thoroughbred races in 1989 shrank to 33,410 by December 31, 2025.

One has a basis to conclude that as a gaming product the North Americans have all but condemned horse racing to a predictable demise. As I have posited recently, at the current rate slippage, closure of racetracks and decreasing field sizes, by 2040 promotion of live horse racing will not be an economically viable business investment. What is needed there is massive investment in the breeding industry.