– Harmon pledges Government full support for the sport

HORSE racing always prepares for the perfect blend of glitz and competition, and during yesterday’s 11th edition of the annual Guyana Cup, it was definitely one of the most glamorous moments in horse racing locally.
The event provided that traditional hotspot for a pulsating afternoon of togetherness, but for the races themselves, the turfites didn’t left the Rising Sun Turf Club disappointed, with nine thoroughbred races taking centre stage.
However, it was the feature D ‘1’ and Lower event (Race 7) which highlighted the magnificence of the country’s top racehorses.
Watched by a capacity crowd, included Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, a star-studded field with a full gate of 11 horses broke even, but it was new comer, Vera’s Finally, duly confirmed his status as the country’s top sprinter in winning by ¾ length.
Apprentice and champion jockey, Colin Ross, definitely enjoyed one of his best days in the saddle as he held off a late charge to win comfortably.
Trained by Fazil Habibulla for popular owner and champion stable, Jumbo Jet Racing Stables, the newcomer was quite out of the running, at least for the first 1200 metres, but as the animal approached the final turn in the 1600 metres, Ross took full command by passing early race leader, Just Call Me Boss.
It was quite easy from there on, as Ross piloted his charge for a thrilling victory ahead of Just Call Me Boss, It’s My Choice, Golden Blue Echo and Settling Star, respectively.
The Jumbo Jet Racing Stables took the top prize of $2 million and the Banks DIH champion’s trophy.
Meanwhile, Harmon pledged the government’s full support for horse racing, adding that events of such nature definitely adds to the government mission of social cohesion.
Results for the other races are as follows:
Race 1: 12 and Lower: Miss Olympic, Party Time, Liquid Lion and Red Jet.
Race 2: L and Lower: Supreme Cat, Irish Boy, Angel Eye, Little Star and Not This Time.
Race 3: E2 and Lower: Release the Beast, Red Rockets and Strom Bird.
Race 4: H2 and Lower: Quite Dance, Got To Go, Isn’t She Charming.
Race 5: Three-year-old Guyana Bred: Seven Dust, Fresh Dancer, Miss Olympic, King Stanley and Born To Dance.
Race 6: Two-year-old Guyana Bred: The Final Line, Release The Heat, Touch Gold and Princess Showan.
Race 8: G2 and Lower: Keep On Swinging, Mid Night Blues, Red Rocket and Isn’t She Charming.
Race 9: K and Lower: Slim Shady, Ready To Romance, Red Region, De Rocket and Confusion.