Key officials strike a pose with the top trophy of the day on Thursday (Photo: Avenash Ramzan)
By Avenash Ramzan
Switching from the Port Mourant Turf Club to the Rising Sun Turf Club with the intention of attracting more Georgetown-based turfites, the Jumbo Jet Truck and Auto Sales-organised Guyana Cup Horse Race meet is set for a grand staging on August 13.
In its 11th year, the event promises to be the biggest ever in terms of spectator turnout, according to organiser Nasrudeen Mohamed Jr. Speaking at a media event on Thursday at Jumbo Jet’s office on Smyth Street in Georgetown, Mohamed Jr. related that all systems are in place for the one day showdown, set to gallop off at 11:30h.
For yet another year beverage company Banks DIH Limited is onboard as the main corporate partner and Outdoor Events Manager of the entity, Mortimer Stewart, said the Guyana Cup Horse Race meet has always been a huge success and his establishment, through the Banks Beer brand, is once again pleased to align itself with the organisers.
Mohamed Jr. expressed gratitude to Banks DIH Limited for being a faithful partner of the Guyana Cup, adding that the company’s support over the years has been pivotal to the tremendous success the event has enjoyed.
Director of Sport, Christopher Jones, in endorsing the event, said it has served as an excellent tourism package. He lauded the organisers for being persistent in their efforts to consistently promote high-quality and competitive horse racing over the last decade.
Compton Sancho, a member of the Organising Committee, assured that the track is in fine condition, despite the occasional showers in Berbice over the past few weeks. He urged Guyanese to come out in their numbers and enjoy a day of competitive racing, as all the events are expected to be closely fought.
The day’s activities will be headlined by the B Class and Lower event, which will go for a distance of 1600m and has a top prize of $2 million. This event is open to all imported and Guyana Bred Three-years and up, rated B Class and Lower.
According to Mohamed Jr., two new horses have been added to the already impressive line-up, one from the Poonai Stable and another from the Jumbo Jet Stable. This, he said, will make the B Class and Lower event very competitive as both animals recently ran in the United States and are in peak condition.
The main supporting race is the E3 and Lower, which will be contested over 1100m and has a winner’s purse of $1.2 million. Other races on the day include the G1 and Lower (1400m), H2 and Lower (1400m), Two-year-old Guyana Bred (1100m), Three-year-old Guyana Bred and I1 and Lower (1400m), J2 and K Lower (1400m) and L and Lower Non-winners (1400m).
The top five finishers in all eight races would receive cash incentives, with over $15 million in cash and prizes to be distributed on the day. Admission to the venue is $2,000 for adults; children will be admitted free.
