By Rajiv Bisnauth

DUBBED the largest horserace meet in the Caribbean, the 10th annual Guyana Cup was officially launched yesterday at the Jumbo Jet Auto Sales Office at 92 Smyth Street, Stabroek, Georgetown.
The mega event which is being staged in observance of Guyana’s 50th Independence anniversary, is billed for August 14 at the Port Mourant Turf Club, Corentyne, Berbice.During yesterday’s event, Director of Sport Christopher Jones pointed out that the Government of Guyana stands committed in the development of horse racing and sports in general.
Jones noted that the Government sees the Guyana Cup as a plus for the economy. He also emphasised that the event is in keeping with the Government’s policy of social cohesion to nation-building.
“If sport can generate that cohesion, we (Government) must support it,” the Director of Sport echoed.
Meanwhile, Jones indicated that he is vigorously working along with the relevant authorities regarding the long overdue horse racing legislation so it can become a reality in the very near future.
Jones congratulated the organisers for managing an event of such magnitude.
Chief coordinator Nazrudeen Mohammed Jr, in his remarks pointed out that the event is not only about horse racing, but also for the entire family.
According to Mohammed Jr, this event is not only dubbed the largest one in Guyana’s horseracing calendar, but jockeys and stables across the Caribbean look forward to it.
“For the first time we have horses from Suriname, so we want to encourage people who are not traditional horse racing fans to come out because we are trying to make it more family-friendly, so more people can come out along with the children and enjoy the races,” Mohamed Jr stated.
Banks DIH Outdoor Events Manager, Mortimer Stewart, noted that the beverage company is proud to be a part of the Guyana Cup for another year, adding that it will continue to support the event.
Nine races are carded for the day’s event, with close to $30M in cash prizes as well as other incentives at stake.
The feature event, which will see the return of Score’s Even, is for horses classified `A’ and Lower, battling over 1600 metres with the winner pocketing $4.5M.
The co-feature event is open to three-year-old Guyana and West Indies-bred horses and they will contest a 1600 metres race as well with the winner receiving $2.4M.
Admission to the venue is $2 000 for adult while children will pay an entrance fee of $1 000.
The day’s activity will be conducted under the Rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA).