Jimmie, Star Racing Writer

Standing near the stage as I-Octane performed at Caymanas Park, a proud Jason McKay had a huge smile on his face as the popular reggae crooner captivated patrons with his catalogue of hit songs.

It was a Wednesday, not the more popular Saturday race meet, but McKay was determined that the "show must go on".

He was right as I-Octane's magnetic pull ensured that the new McKay Security 'Caymanas Live' monthly entertainment series was again a hit after Busy Signal's performance in January.

Just one of his company's many sponsorship initiatives at Caymanas Park, McKay said the racetrack has become a part of him, similar to his other passions - martial arts and family.

"Caymanas Park has, for many years, not been considered just a business partner of McKay Security but as much a part of me, personally, as martial arts or family," he explained.

"I came to the track in my 20s and took on the biggest challenge of my life as security contractor, at an age far below the job required."

Among McKay Security's other sponsorship ventures at Caymanas Park were the Vivobarefoot Jamaica Derby last year and the annual McKay Security Fan Appreciation Race, dubbed 'The Poor Man's Derby', staged on New Year's Day, featuring a million-dollar purse for the lowest class of horses at Caymanas Park.

"McKay Security is already Caymanas Park's biggest creditor, but it was no problem for me to extend sponsorship to the derby via Vivobarefoot," he pointed out, casually pointing to other ventures such as football sponsorship and perennial benefactor of the grooms' association.

Vivobarefoot is a sports-footwear brand to which McKay holds distribution rights in Jamaica. The company also outfits Jamaica's combined martial arts team, which McKay captains.

"I directed sponsorship towards horse racing in an effort to keep the derby buoyant and attractive.

"I consider it very important that racing continues, despite CTL's financial bind.

"It is not about management and boards, they come and go, it's about trainers, grooms, owners and riders, as they have very little influence on the business side of racing, but most to lose if this business crashes," he pointed out.

Though he believes he has faced trying times at Caymanas Park, McKay said he remains steadfast in his support of the industry, even though the location is no longer a jewel in McKay Security's business crown.

"Although some would say, 'job well done', others 'badly done', I have blended into a part of the track.

"I know most people there and their children. I have been at burials and births," he added.

"I have faced what could be considered harsh treatment by various boards. In 2008, after serving as security manager, free of cost, for nine years, I was just told to report to meet the new security manager.

Similarly, in 2011, only a robust defence by racing interests and representation by McKay Security saved the firm's contract.