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JJTRC releases provisional programme for first official Guyana Cup Nomination Day
Kaieteur Sports – The Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee (JJTRC), in collaboration with Banks DIH Ltd, has officially released the provisional race programme for Sunday, February 1, 2026, to be staged at the Port Mourant Turf Club. This race day marks the first and most lucrative official nomination day for the 2026 Guyana Cup Nomination Series, and is already generating major excitement across the local racing fraternity.
Branded as the Banks Classic – Guyana Cup Nomination Series, the event will feature a 10-race card with a combined total purse of GYD $12,750,000, making it one of the richest single race days in the local calendar
The February 1 event promises to be sizzling. (Jumbo Jet Events Facebook)
Feature Race: The Banks DIH Classic (1 Mile)
Headlining the programme is Race 1, the prestigious Banks DIH Classic (Open), run over one mile, the same distance as the Guyana Cup final. With a total purse of GYD $3,750,000, including a first prize of GYD $2,000,000, this race is expected to attract many of Guyana’s top horses and stables.
Beyond the purse, this race carries significant nomination value, as the first and second place finishers will qualify for the Guyana Cup final, while the winner also stands to earn a 100% free entry into Guyana Cup Day, one of the most attractive incentives introduced in recent years.
February 1st, will be the strongest nomination day of the series. In addition to qualification opportunities, this date features:
Promoter-added bonus money, Free entry incentives for winners, Large purses across multiple classes, Eligibility toward trainer and jockey bonuses of GYD $500,000 each for qualifying two horses across nomination days.
As a result, many leading stables are expected to showcase their top runners early in the season rather than waiting for later nomination opportunities.
Below is a race-by-race summary of the February 1 provisional programme, including class, distance, total purse, and first prize:
Race 1 – Banks DIH Classic (Open)
Distance: 1 Mile
Total Purse: GYD $3,750,000
1st Prize: GYD $2,000,000
Race 2 – Sprint Classic (Open)
Distance: 6½ Furlongs
Total Purse: GYD $1,875,000
1st Prize: GYD $1,000,000
Race 3 – F Class & Lower / E Class Non-Winners / Imported Maidens
Distance: 1 Mile
Total Purse: GYD $1,500,000
1st Prize: GYD $800,000
Race 4 – 3-Year-Old Guyana-Bred (Non-Winners of Two)
Distance: 6½ Furlongs
Total Purse: GYD $937,500
1st Prize: GYD $500,000
Race 5 – L Class Maidens & First-Time Starters
Distance: 6½ Furlongs
Total Purse: GYD $937,500
1st Prize: GYD $500,000
Race 6 – G Class & Lower / F Class Non-Winners / Imported 3YO Maidens
Distance: 7 Furlongs
Total Purse: GYD $750,000
1st Prize: GYD $400,000
Race 7 – I Class & Lower / West Indian-Bred
Distance: 1 Mile
Total Purse: GYD $750,000
1st Prize: GYD $400,000
Race 8 – J3 & Lower
Distance: 6½ Furlongs
Total Purse: GYD $750,000
1st Prize: GYD $400,000
Race 9 – L Class Open
Distance: 1 Mile
Total Purse: GYD $750,000
1st Prize: GYD $400,000
Race 10 – L Class Non-Earners (2025–2026)
Distance: 6 Furlongs
Total Purse: GYD $750,000
1st Prize: GYD $400,000
(All purses are in Guyana Dollars)
The introduction of this nomination system reflects how far Guyanese horseracing has come over the last five years. Larger crowds, improved facilities, increased sponsorship, and growing international interest have all driven the need for more structured, performance-based qualification systems similar to those used overseas.
Under the new format, horses must earn their place in the Guyana Cup, Sprint, or Derby, rather than entering by reputation alone. This approach not only improves the quality of competition, but also enhances fan confidence and international credibility.
Entries for the February 1 race day open on January 18 and close on January 28, 2026, strictly by official entry form. With generous purses, qualification stakes, and historic incentives on the line, all signs point to a highly competitive and memorable opening nomination day.
As Guyana racing continues its upward trajectory, February 1 is shaping up to be the first major statement of what promises to be an exceptional 2026 season.
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