WITH entries topping the 60-horse mark, the principals of the Rising Sun Turf Club (RSTC) have already put most systems in place for the club’s horse-race meet, scheduled for this Sunday at the club’s entity, Arima Park, West Coast Berbice.Dubbed the Mohammed ‘Nankoo’ Shariff Memorial Horserace Meet, organisers have put together an impressive seven-race programme with all the big names to be on show for what is expected to be a competitive day of racing.
The race meet, the first for the New Year, will be held in memory of the late Shariff, who was a devoted horse owner, trainer, breeder, importer and promoter of the sport.
Over $4M in cash trophies and other incentives are up for the taking, and with the RSTC known for creating exciting and highly competitive race meets, the event is expected to attract all the country’s top race horses.
The feature event will be a 1400-metre classic for animals classified D and Lower for a first prize of $700 000 and a trophy.
The other races are the E and Lower 1400-metre event for a winning take of $500 000 and a trophy. The G Class event has a winner’s purse of $300 000 and a trophy over 1400 metres.
There is an event for horses classified H2 and Lower with the winner set to take home $220 000 and a trophy.
The horses classified J and Lower will be racing for a winner’s cheque of $180 000 and a trophy, while the final two events are for animals classified J and Lower and K and Lower.
The respective winners will take home $150 000 and $100 000 and trophies respectively. Race-time is 12:30hrs.

By Rajiv Bisnauth