A regular reader, with whom Trackside shares similar views about the establishment of a National Stud and the industry-wide benefits to be had from such an institution, kindly forwarded an article from the Racing Post’s web site.

In essence, England’s National Stud is expanding and recently raised the first one million pounds towards a three million pound target for providing new accommodation to house its future education and learning facilities.

An ‘anonymous donor’ had come forward with the cash to assist the Stud’s aim of attracting more newcomers to the breeding industry.

According to the article, construction will start later this year on a building, which will include a 32-bed hostel and dedicated classroom facilities.

The revelations were made at a British horseracing Board Careers in Racing conference held at Newmarket racecourse.

The Stud’s existing training opportunities, which include a Modern Apprenticeship course and the internationally acclaimed Diploma course, were also showcased.

Trackside grew green with envy while reading the article, considering the amateurish approach, with which the local industry is handled.

The British take their horseracing extremely serious and make no bone about it.

Recently, the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) broke news of a big international friendly against England.

Apparently, the Brits, similar to what Bahrain wanted, are desirous of playing Jamaica, a Caribbean side, before facing Trinidad and Tobago in World Cup action this coming summer.

However, the proposed match time on June 3 happened to clash with the Epsom Derby and that was immediately struck down with the reason being no other ‘distraction’ could be had, not even an important World Cup practice match, with the Epsom on.

Burchell Gibson, general secretary of the JFF, on Thursday confirmed with Trackside kick-off time was originally 3:00 p.m. but was forwarded two hours earlier due to the Epsom.

Both football and horseracing are big sports in England but it is obviously clear which of the two holds sway.