By Avenash Ramzan
For the eighth year in succession, Metro Office and Computer Supplies has thrown its support behind the signature Boxing Day horse race meet, organised by the Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club.
At a simple function on Wednesday, representatives of the two entities were on hand to finalise the partnership at the company’s main outlet on Quamina Street, Georgetown.
Assistant Manager of the company, Ariff Baksh, moments before presenting the $1M cheque and massive trophy to Justice Cecil Kennard, the Honourary President of the Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club, stated how elated the establishment was to sponsor the biggest prizes of the day.
Metro’s cash incentive and the trophy will be presented to the champion of the feature event, the C Class, which will go for nine furlongs.
Kennard reflected that the club and Metro, through its current president Ron Ramnarayan and Ron’s father Deo Kharag, have had a long and fruitful relationship, and this partnership further cements their alliance. Kharag was also president of the club from 1955 to when he migrated in the 70s.
He further underscored the significance of sponsorship to events such as the upcoming one, noting that gate receipts and entrance fee from competitors would be woefully inadequate.
Kennard confirmed that over 60 horses have been entered for the grand one day meet, and that the track at Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne, Berbice, is in fine condition, despite some rain over the past few days.
The feature of the day is expected to be a hotly contested affair with Golden Blue Echo set to defend its title from 2016. In its way this time around would be Vera’s Finally, Brave Sky, Lady Budapest, Goodwill Boy, Honey Flow, Just Call Me Boss, Princess She’s Not and Storm Bird.
Other events carded for the day are L-Non Winners, F and Lower, Two-Year-old Guyana Bred Open, L Class Open, H and Lower, and J3 and K and L Lower. The action will gallop off at 13:30h and admission to the venue is $1,200 for adults and $600 for children.
