Concerns about the management and escalating costs of the Ba horse racing multipurpose course have been raised by Mohammed Nazakat Jan, the secretary of the BA Sea View Horse Racing Club. During a recent Fiji Media Association Town Hall meeting held in Ba, Jan highlighted issues surrounding the facility, originally established for the community by the previous FijiFirst Government, noting a lack of current collaboration with the Ba Town Council.
Jan expressed frustration that the Ba horse racing course, constructed as a source of local entertainment for horse owners—many of whom hail from farming backgrounds—has experienced a decline in race organization. “In the first year, we had nine races. The second year, we managed only five, and this year, we’ve held just four races so far,” he remarked, alluding to internal disputes within the club that have resulted in some members forming a separate group.
Furthermore, he raised alarm over a significant increase in ground usage fees, rising from $500 to $810, and questioned whether the government could intervene to help make racing more affordable for horse owners.
In response, Moshim Khan, Special Administrator Chair of the Ba Town Council, explained that part of the increased fees is allocated to covering operational and compliance costs, including safety and labor expenditures. Khan emphasized the council’s willingness to collaborate with horse owners to support their activities, stressing the importance of cooperative efforts going forward.
Additionally, the Assistant Minister for Youth and Sports, Aliki Bia, provided clarity on the status of horse racing in Fiji, noting that the sport is not currently registered with the Fiji National Sports Commission (FNSC), thus ineligible for direct funding. He emphasized that once the Horse Race Association receives formal registration, it could open the door to government financial support.
Minister for Public Works, Transport and Meteorological Services, Hon. Filipe Tuisawau, reiterated that the Ministry will assist in the formal registration of the Horse Race Association, highlighting the need for the sport and its participants to gain the official recognition they deserve.
This dialogue underscores the broader challenges concerning sports governance in Fiji, akin to issues faced by other sports organizations regarding infrastructure and funding. The situation not only reflects a need for better management but also presents an opportunity for collaborative efforts among various stakeholders to revitalize horse racing in Ba for the benefit of the local community. There is hope that addressing these challenges will enhance the sporting culture in Fiji, ultimately leading to greater opportunities for all involved.
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