Over G$65M at stake in lucrative Guyana Cup 18 on August 23

The 18th edition of the Guyana Cup will be staged on August 23 at the Rising Sun Turf Club, marking what organisers describe as the most valuable and competitive running of the event to date, with a record G$65 million prize purse on offer.

The event, staged by Jumbo Jet Events, was officially launched on Thursday evening at the AC Marriott Hotel in Ogle, where stakeholders from across Guyana’s horse racing industry- including sponsors, owners, trainers, and jockeys- gathered to highlight expectations for a landmark race day.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr. described the Guyana Cup as more than a major sporting event, calling it a permanent fixture on the national calendar of annual activities.

He said the horse racing industry is now positioned to become a key pillar of sport tourism and broader economic activity, particularly in Region Five and other parts of Guyana.

Minister Ramson Jr. also pointed to the sector’s rapid acceleration, noting that it has “travelled faster in the last three years than it has in the last three decades,” describing it as a period of strong momentum that must now be consolidated and built upon.

A total of 14 races are scheduled for the day, including the feature Banks Guyana Cup race, which carries a whopping G$22 million purse.

Organisers say the full card is designed to deliver competitive racing across all categories, with significant prize money distributed throughout the event.

Additionally, one lucky patron will drive away with a brand new Sinotruk pick-up, through a raffle to be drawn on race day.

Industry growth and new legislative era

Speaking at the launch, Nasrudeen Mohamed Jr. of Jumbo Jet Events said the 2026 Guyana Cup is “very special” as it will be the first edition to be held under Guyana’s new horse racing legislation.

He thanked Minister Ramson Jr. for his support in advancing the industry, saying the regulatory framework marks an important milestone for the sport.

Mohamed Jr. also credited the government, led by President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, for supporting the broader development of horse racing and creating conditions that have encouraged growth and investment.

Mohamed Jr. said, “Horse racing teaches us that a good start is important. Well minister, before the horses reached the starting gates you made sure the legislation did first.”

The businessman was firm in his belief that the new legal framework sets a strong foundation for the industry’s future.

Mohamed Jr. dubbed Guyana Cup 18 the ‘Million Dollar Day’ where every race on the card offers at least G$1 million to the winner.

According to him, this structure ensures that owners, trainers, jockeys and grooms all benefit, helping to broaden participation and strengthen the overall racing ecosystem.

Sponsorship and broader impact

As has been the case over the years, corporate support remains central to the event’s continued expansion.

Communications Executive at Banks DIH Limited, Sonya Forrester, said the company’s involvement reflects its commitment to values such as dedication, perseverance, and excellence- qualities strongly associated with horse racing.

She added that beyond the competition itself, the Guyana Cup serves as an important platform for community engagement, bringing people together while supporting local businesses and tourism.

Forrester emphasised horse racing’s contribution to Guyana’s evolving economic and social landscape and reaffirmed Banks DIH’s continued support for initiatives that promote both sport development and national growth.

Via its Coca Cola and Banks Beer brands, Banks DIH Limited will serve as beverage sponsor for the Guyana Cup.

Race card

• Banks Guyana Cup (One Mile)- Total purse G$22,500,000
• Peter Lewis Guyana Cup Sprint (5 ½ Furlong)- Total purse G$7,500,000
• Forrester’s Imported Derby (One Mile)- Total purse G$7,500,000
• Mohamed’s Excavating Sir Balaji Derby (One Mile)- Total purse G$5,625,000
• J’s Imported Juvenile Fillies Sprint (5 ½ Furlong)- Total purse G$3,750,000
• M. Soat Locally Bred Dash (5 ½ Furlong)- Total purse G$2,812,500
• P. Jagdeo E-Class (One Mile)- Total purse G$2,812,500
• Jagmohan F-Class (One Mile)- Total purse G$1,875,000
• ARONCO H-Class (One Mile)- Total purse G$1,875,000
• C.I. H3 N.W.3 (One Mile)- Total purse G$1,875,000
• Avinash Local Maidens (One Mile)- Total purse G$2,812,500
• Big G’s J-Class (One Mile)- Total purse G$1,875,000
• Garen Pro K-Class (One Mile)- Total purse G$1,875,000
• Sawh L Class Sprint (One Mile)- Total purse G$1,875,000