… Says Dr. Dwight Waldron 

CHIEF Executive Officer (CEO) of Guyana Livestock and Development Authority (GLDA), and renowned veterinarian Dr. Dwight Waldron has advised horse owners to work closely with their respective vets to ensure the health and welfare of their horses.

With the 16th running of the Guyana Cup slated for August 11, which is less than one month away, Dr. Waldron explained, that during this period, horses should already be fully vaccinated, and foals/yearlings be placed on a strict antiparasitic program.

“The welfare of these animals are critical in reducing stress during this period of harsh environmental conditions. There is a dire need for more evidence-based medicine to be adopted within the industry,” Dr. Waldron explained.

While sharing his sentiments on what is needed for horses, Dr. Waldron is aware of the need of the legislative instruments that is needed in the sport of horse racing. “This will be difficult without the necessary legislative instruments (welfare & horse racing bills),” Dr. Waldron said.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Culture Youth and Sport, in an interview last month, disclosed that the legislation draft has been approved.
“It is completed, in terms of the draft. It has already been approved to move to the sub-committee. In the next few weeks, the sub-committee will review in detail. Once it is approved and finalised, it is then approved to be laid by parliament, then we have a debate,” Minister Ramson had explained.
The 16th running of the Guyana Cup is organised by the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing and more than 40 million Guyana dollars in cash being paid out, and the top horse for the feature race will be rewarded a whopping sum of $11,625,000.
Last year’s Guyana Cup saw a total purse of $24 million across all races, while the top horse in the feature event won $10 million.
According to organisers, the 2024 Guyana Cup will certainly be the biggest, and the day will be packed with side attractions. The first-ever fun park is set to ignite the Rising Sun Turf Club, where kids will witness a parading bar on spot, and multiple stages will be set up across the venue.
Ten races are listed on the provisional programme, and entries will open from July 27 and close on August 3. No late entries will be accepted at this year’s Guyana Cup.
In addition to the feature event, which will run at approximately 1800 metres, other races on the provisional card include: the 1600-metre derby, 1000-metre Sprint Classic, the 1000-metre two-year-old, 1000-metre F1 class, the 1600-metre H1 class, the 1400-metre J & Lower, 1400-metre K Class, 1400-metre L Class and 1400-metre non-earners.