Corporate support continues to stream in for the Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club’s annual Boxing Day horse race meet at Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne, Berbice.
On Friday, KSM Investments of Good Hope, East Coast Demerara, presented sponsorship to cover the J and K Lower seven-furlong race, which has a top prize of $200,000. Second will pocket $100,000, third $50,000 and fourth $25,000.
At the business location, President of the Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club, Justice Cecil Kennard, was on hand to receive the sponsorship and first place trophy from Directors Shanta Panchu and Arvind Panchu.
This is the third year that KSM Investments has thrown its support behind events organised by the Club, and Chief Executive Officer Mahadeo Panchu said his company recognises that “sport is a unifying force in this country.”
“I’m amazed at the crowds that turned out to witness horse racing at the Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club. I myself go from time to time with my family. We recognise the importance of sport, we recognise the importance of horse racing, especially on the Corentyne area,” Panchu noted.
“We intend to continue to support the Club in a much bigger way. It all depends on the growth in the economy, which can result in the growth of our business. We’re on the cusp of major economic transformation with oil and gas (and) we see our company as playing a very pivotal role. We’re very excited about it, and as a result, once there is good business, obviously there would be more sponsorship.”
Justice Kennard expressed appreciation for the continued support by Panchu and his entity, noting that “sponsorship is absolutely necessary for the successful promotion of events.”
Apart from KSM Investments, the meet has attracted support from other major local companies, the likes of Continental Group of Companies via its Torginol Paints and Metro Office and Computer Supplies.
The day’s activities will be headlined by the ‘Metro Million Mile’, which is open to all horses. The race will go for one mile with the champion claiming a one million dollar first prize and second $500,000.
Other events carded for the day are the Torginol Paints H and Lower, L Class Open, the J and K Lower, L Class Non-Winners, Two-Year-old Maidens and L Class Non-Earner.
All races will be run under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority.
