The Guyana Cup returns to the Rising Sun Turf Club, Berbice in grand style on Sunday, August 13, 2023.
Race promoter, Nasrudeen Mohamed Junior said, “Every year we try to better our recent events by putting new requirements in place and having a larger race money every year. This year will be the biggest event out of the 15 years. This year we have a total of eight races and a total of over $24 million, $10 million being paid just in the feature event. First prize being $5 million.”
More than 14 horses will be flown in from Brazil, Suriname and the United States to compete against the best jockeys from across Guyana.
Alado of Master Z Racing Stable is the reigning champion in the marque Guyana Cup one-mile event, and Mohamed assures that his horse is training well in preparation to defend the title.
Organisers anticipate that this 15th stage of the Guyana Cup will be even bigger and better than last year’s event, which drew a crowd of approximately 18,000 patrons.
Assistant Superintendent of Police, Benfield Harry, noted that ranks will be present on foot and on motorcycles to help prevent a build-up of traffic along the public roadways.
Last year, over $14 million dollars was spent to put an entrance road to allow for a smoother flow of traffic. Construction is currently underway on a new 4-lane road to further ensure efficiency.
“A very large parking lot is prepared which could accommodate at least a thousand vehicles. Our intention is to get most of the vehicles off the road.
“We have enough ranks… to make this system a success. Because, like I said earlier, we don’t want a repeat of last year. Ranks will be in the ground, placed at strategic points to ensure the safety and security of each and every patron.”
While massive cash prizes are available for racers, patrons are also urged to purchase tickets early as event organisers Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee have hinted that numerous giveaways will be announced for attendees in the build up to the event.
“Tickets will be going sale from tomorrow and we will be establishing a new system for the ticket process. We will start to start selling tickets online and ticket will also be available at the event for those who are unable to purchase a ticket online,” said Jumbo Jet Assistant Manager Irshad Mohamad.
Tickets go on sale online from Saturday July 1 for $3000, while tickets will be sold at the venue on race day for $6000. Gates open from 8:00 hrs.
Sonya Forrester, Training and Communications Executive at Bank D.I.H Limited, the title sponsor of this year’s event, encouraged more sponsors to come on board to support the esteemed event.
“We continue to look forward to being able to partner with organizers in this regard. We do encourage others to come on board because it is definitely an interesting event and definitely something that continues to promote not just the local community, but definitely gives an opportunity to jockeys and the persons who are participating actively exhibiting their talents in this league.”
