Guyana Cup 2025 to offer record-breaking $20M purse for feature race

Guyana’s horse racing is set for an unprecedented boost with the announcement of a record-breaking GYD $20 million (approximately USD $100,000) purse for the feature race at the 17th running of the Guyana Cup set for August 17 at the Rising Sun Turf Club.

The move follows the long-awaited passage of new Horse Racing Legislation, which has been hailed as a pivotal moment for the sport in the country.

The Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee, organisers of the prestigious event, have swiftly responded to the legislative development by significantly increasing the stakes.

The highly anticipated feature race winner on August 17th will now take home a staggering GYD 10 million, the most significant first prize in Guyanese racing history.

This year’s Guyana Cup, scheduled for August 17th – symbolically the 17th running on the 17th – will boast a total prize purse exceeding GYD $50 million, making it one of the wealthiest single days in Guyanese sport.

Organisers and participants are already coining this period the “Golden Year of Horse Racing” as the sport steps under the umbrella of official legislation for the first time.

“This is our way of saying thank you to the Government of Guyana,” stated a Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee spokesperson.

“The passing of this Act has finally given our sport a proper foundation. We are no longer just racing for local pride; we have stepped into the international spotlight.”

The new legislation establishes the Guyana Horse Racing Authority, providing a formal framework for licensing, regulation, and enforcement—a crucial step towards the industry’s legitimate international engagement.

The elevated purse compares the Guyana Cup directly with the Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup, long considered the Caribbean’s premier racing event.

This comes shortly after the Guyanese-owned One Guyana Racing Stable’s historic victory at the recent Barbados Gold Cup.

Beyond the elite level, the increased prize money is expected to have a significant ripple effect, offering substantial benefits to local participants.

Young jockeys and trainers are now set to earn GYD $1 million each in prize shares, while grooms will receive GYD $500,000. This represents a major investment in youth development and professional careers within the sport.

“With proper licensing and this legislation in place, our young people can now represent Guyana overseas,” the Committee emphasised.

“Their future is no longer limited; the gates to the international racing world have finally opened.”