Solomon Sharpe, executive chairman of Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL), believes the sustained success of the Mouttet Mile, especially its appeal to international competitors, is vital to the long-term growth and revitalisation of Jamaica’s racing industry.
Sharpe made the declaration at the official launch of the fourth staging of the prestigious US$300,000 race, which is set to thrill spectators on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Caymanas Park. This year’s edition is expected to be the most electrifying yet, as organizers aim to strike a balance between local pride and global flair.
"We started with four, and now we’re at eight,” Sharpe said, referencing the steady increase in international participation.
"If you look at Japan, they studied the rest of the world and selected horses globally. Today, Japan stands at the pinnacle of horse racing," he added.
Solomon Sharpe (second left) shares a photo opportunity with sponsors and trainer Gary Subratie (right).
Sharpe said Jamaica’s racing culture once basked in international glory, recalling an era in the 1970s when racehorses were flown in and foreign dignitaries owned some of the most prized animals on the local track.
"That’s the grandeur and spectacle we aim to revive. Our breeders have faced challenges over the last four years, and the only way to sustain racing is to enhance our offerings with foreign-bred horses," he declared.
The Mouttet Mile, the richest race in the English-speaking Caribbean, will again host a field of 16 horses—eight from Jamaica and eight from overseas. One of those coveted international spots has been reserved for a competitor from the prestigious New York Racing Association (NYRA), symbolising the race’s growing global significance.
"These horses will eventually become broodmares or stallions, contributing to our vision of strengthening the industry. The more horses we attract, the more our economy thrives, creating job opportunities and fostering industry growth," Sharpe noted. “
That said, Sharpe pointed out that he has personally invested in the industry’s turnaround, having brought in 14 horses himself over the past three years as part of a wider initiative that has seen more than 250 horses imported.
"From 2020 to 2022, we experienced a lull, but the numbers are now on the rise. While we see many local-bred two-year-olds coming up, we can’t solely rely on them; they need time to mature. We’ve pivoted by innovating races like The Portmore and The Kingston, now scheduled for May,” he stated.
American-bred Funcaandun, last year's Mouttet Mile winner.
Sharpe emphasized that the Mouttet Mile is not just about racing but also about culture, fashion, and entertainment.
"We’re anticipating yet another incredible race day filled with vibrant energy, stunning fashion, and unforgettable pageantry. Our unique spirit resonates not only throughout Jamaica but also reaches an international audience eager to join in the celebration," the chairman said.
Finally, he celebrated the achievements of Jamaican-born trainer Rohan Crichton, who recently won the Pat Day Mile at Churchill Downs after previously winning the Mouttet Mile.
"Rohan's journey began right here in Jamaica. That shows the remarkable essence of our Jamaican racing culture and its impact worldwide," Sharpe ended.