By Iva Wharton
Horse racing might be considered a male-dominated sport in Guyana but one female, Melissa Chattergoon, is on the mission to develop the sport while making a name for herself.
The 25-year-old Chattergoon is a graduate from Zicklin School of Business, Baruch College in the United States with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management.
Chattergoon, though, is no stranger to horseracing. In fact, her father is Nasrudeen Mohamed of the Jumbo Jet Stables.
Over the past three years, Chattergoon has found herself playing an active role in the operations of the stables as coordinator of meets.
Asked how she has found being a female in the business of horseracing, Chattergoon said:”Well, like anything new, it was a challenge when I initially started because it was something new. I took over three years ago. Thankfully, I had good guidance and cooperation from my dad, Nasrudeen Mohamed (Jumbo Jet) and Kris Jagdeo.”
She added: “Being a female in this business has its advantages and disadvantages but over the years I was able to network and meet all types of people who were able to assist me in making the Guyana Cup Horse Race a success.
“Like all businesses, you have to be committed and horse racing is no exception. Overall, I love this event planning portion and it was a great learning experience.”
Chattergoon’s family has been in horse racing for years and it is not surprising that she has opted to become involved in the sport.
“Yes, my family has been involved with horse racing for years since my parents were children. This was where my love of horse racing started. I got into this field with the passion of my parents to make horse racing in Guyana more rewarding. They had a vision to improve the sport, make it well known in Guyana, as it is popular worldwide. I wanted to make that a reality and I think this year I have succeeded.”
Asked if she will remain in the sport Chattergoon said:”Definitely! I intend to be a part of this sport and get my own family just as involved when that time comes. A lot of hard work goes into maintaining race horses and it’s great to see everyone’s hard work shine through good competition and getting a large reward for it.”
According to Chattergoon it is the love of horses that has kept her in the sport.
“The passion and love of horses of all horse owners throughout the country kept me involved. I genuinely love the whole planning portion of the Guyana Cup and I get great cooperation from everyone. To know I can do something that brings the best out in a sport we all enjoy is a fulfillment itself.”
While horse racing is viewed by many as a male dominated sport Chattergoon feels that females too play important roles.
“Being so involved in horse racing, I can’t really speak for all women but I don’t think women are overlooked in my opinion. This sport enabled me to get quite a lot of exposure and recognition.
Asked abut the just concluded Guyana Cup, Chattergoon said:”This was the biggest horse race of the year and in Guyana’s history! I was the coordinator who did all the planning for this event. Of course I was assisted by a few people who made the Guyana Cup go smoothly.
For next year Chattergoon aims to make the event bigger and better.
“We are trying to make every year bigger and better than the year before. For one we want to increase the prize money to make the races more enticing. We want better accommodation for spectators to be more comfortable. If we have right accommodation we can avoid traffic and turf-fights on the track.”
