Latest update March 12th, 2026 9:56 PM
Guyana Cup Nomination Series… Entries open today for Banks Classic
…Port Mourant meets just two weeks away
Kaieteur Sports – Just two weeks remain before the highly anticipated start of the Guyana Cup Nomination Series, which has the first meet, the Banks Classic, carded for Sunday, February 1, 2026, at the Port Mourant Turf Club.
The first event which was announced recently, is fully sponsored by Banks DIH Limited and will feature ten competitive races, all of which will serve as qualifying events for the prestigious Guyana Cup 2026. The Banks Classic carries a combined total purse of GYD $12,750,000, making it one of the richest single race days in the local calendar.
The competitive atmosphere has already begun to build, with stables fine-tuning training programs in pursuit of victory.
As it is organised by the Guyana Cup Committee in collaboration with the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee (JJTRC), the event is expected to attract top stables, seasoned jockeys and passionate racing fans from across the country.
The competitive atmosphere has already begun to build, with stables fine-tuning training programs in pursuit of victory and the coveted Guyana Cup trophy. Horse owners and trainers are currently working feverishly behind the scenes, ensuring their thoroughbreds are in peak condition as they prepare to vie for qualification spots and early dominance on the road to the Guyana Cup 2026.
In addition to qualification opportunities, this date features Promoter-added bonus money, free entry incentives for winners and 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.
The Banks Classic card is comprised of ten races.
The sponsor, Banks DIH, has once again underscored their longstanding commitment to sport, community engagement and national development. The company’s involvement is expected to elevate the quality of the event while providing a boost to local horse racing and the wider Port Mourant community.
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
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