Govt. makes major contribution to Guyana Cup Horserace meet

Aug 13, 2015 Sports

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All racehorses to cross Berbice River Bridge free for event

By Samuel Whyte

The new APNU/AFC government continues to blaze the trail by setting new heights as it continues to keeping most of its promises made on the campaign trail.
The Ninth Annual Guyana Cup Horseracing extravaganza, which is set for this Sunday at the Port Mourant Turf Club, is the latest to get a major fillip from the government. The $25M event which is organized by the Jumbo Jet Business Enterprise and friends in collaboration with the Port Mourant Turf Club will see horses having to cross the Berbice River Bridge being allowed free of cost. The government has waived the toll for horses attending the prestigious race meet.
At the launching of the event, Director of Sport Christopher Jones had given the government’s commitment to support the activity in whatever way possible.  According to coordinator Nasrudeen “Jumbo Jet” Mohammed ‘Junior’, a request was made to Director of Sport Christopher Jones and Minister of State Joseph Harmon who immediately agreed to the request.
The mega August Holiday event is being staged with the support of the Government of Guyana and the blessing of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA) with major inputs from beverage giants Banks DIH Limited and Digicel among others.
With attractive sums of monies available and over 100 horses expected to participate, thousands of patrons are expected to flock the venue for what is expect to be by far the biggest sporting activity for this period in Guyana.
There will be endless deals and giveaways at the event. Most of the companies on board including Banks DIH limited, Digicel and the Auto Dealers have special packages and big discounts on their products, including vehicles being on display which will only be available at the event and patrons are expected to make full use of the opportunities.
The feature event is for A class horses for a whopping first prize of $3M and the Guyana Cup trophy from a total package of $6M over 1800M. Looking good at practice and set for the big day are Guyana A class champion Score’s Even, defending Guyana Cup Champion CP Got Even, and a fearsome pack of Spit Fire, Jack in My Style, Princess She Not, Diplomatic Cat, Curfew Tower, Treacle and the speedy Tiz A Holiday and new imports Guyana Time and Kazi Azaria among others are expected to give turfites a day to remember.
The other events on the day’s programme are the Co-feature 1600M event for 3 yr old horses, bred and born in Guyana and the West Indies for a winning take of $2M and trophy.
There are two races for two year old horses, one for West Indies Bred animals for a winning take of $1.2M and trophy, while the second is for Guyana bred horses for a winner’s money of $400,000. The E class and lower event is for a take home of $1M and trophy, then there is a race for four year old West Indies bred animals for a winning take of $900,000 and trophy, the contest for horses classified F3 has a first prize of $800,000 and trophy, in the G3 and lower race the winner will run away with $600,000 and trophy, the ‘I’ and lower race has $350,000 and trophy winning tag, while the event for unclassified animals has a take home of $150,000 and trophy.
The number of sponsors continues to grow with overseas Insurance Company Assuria joining the sponsorship group. Also joining the fray is the Survival Supermarket, along with L. Mahabeer Cambio, Talgit Depo, and Atlantic Marine Supply among others.
Meanwhile, a number of experienced jockeys from around the Caribbean have already confirmed their participation and are expected to don their racing gear as they compete against their Guyanese counterparts for the prestigious rewards on offer.
The cast includes Panamanian born Trinidadian ace rider Nobel Abrego with over 400 wins, and 300 seconds to his credit, who will be astride Guyana “A” class horse Score’s Even which makes the combination to beat.
Ronald Ali, with over 160 career wins and presently fourth in Trinidad with 21 wins for 2015 so far, is expected to be riding for the Bacchus Racing Stables along with Joshua Stephens with horses such as Diplomatic Cat, Kari Azaria, Storm Bird and Untouchables among others.
Jockeys Prayven Badree with over 140 wins and Kiran Razack have been flown in to straddle the more that 15 horses of the Jumbo Jet stable which includes Jack In My style.
The Shariff Racing Stables which is expected to field about 12 horses with the likes of Spit Fire, Plum Plum, and Princess She Not among others has secured the services of the experienced and skillful Brian Boodramsingh with over 260 career wins to keep its flag flying. Nela Mohammed is expected to do duties for the Jagdeo Racing Stables.
Also coming is the seasoned Nicholas Patrick and overseas based Guyanese Michael Semple among others.  Semple, a previous winner is being touted to wear the colours of the Elcock stables with the likes of defending champion CP Got Even, Curfew Tower and Tiz A Holiday.
The top Jockey along with the runner up, the top stable and champion trainer will all be presented with trophies and other incentives compliments of the organizers.
The event will be held under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority. The coordinator is Nasrudeen (Jumbo Jet) Mohamed. Race time is 12:00 hrs.

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