Home Sports Boxing Day horse racing will continue to extend legacy of late Justice...
By Brandon Corlette
In 2022, Justice Cecil Kennard passed away, but his legacy continues to live on at the Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club. Horse racing action will return on Monday December 26, for the annual Boxing Day horse meeting.
According to Justice Kennard’s widow, Mrs Chan Kennard, the Boxing Day event is important.
“All meetings at Kennard Memorial has been important to him. But Boxing Day more so, because it is our biggest meeting, and we look forward to see people enjoy themselves, and see people come from abroad,” Mrs Kennard told Guyana Times Sport in an exclusive interview.
She added: “with the 106-years that the family has been involved with it, it gave him that satisfaction that to know that he was still able to carry on that legacy. Boxing Day meeting brings out family, and it is good to bring family close together. We want to get the community involved.”
Justice Kennard was a great Sports enthusiast, well known for his involvement in sports, particularly horse racing. Through his involvement and contribution to the sport, he was later honoured as the President of the Kennard Memorial Turf Club (KMTC). He also served with distinction on many terms at the Guyana Horseracing Authority (GHA).
Cecil Kennard, who was also known as ‘Racing Patriot’ lived a much rewarding life. The Retired Justice Cecil Kennard died on March 12 2022 at his New Heaven home, Bel Air, he was 86 years old at the time of his death.
Aside from horse racing, Justice Kennard had an illustrious career in Law. His legal career spanned several decades, which first begun in 1962, after he graduated from the prestigious Lincoln’s Inn in London, he was also called to the local bar that same year. In 1965, he was appointed Crown Counsel in the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and after Guyana gained independence in 1966, he continued in that office as State Counsel.
Justice Kennard also served as Legal Advisor to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) from 1971-1973, during this period he acted as a rent assessment magistrate on a part time basis.
Justice Kennard also spent a number of years in Antigua while working on high-profiled cases there. He later returned in 1977 and was appointed High Court Judge. In 1985, he was appointed as Justice of Appeal. Followed ten years later, in 1995 he was then appointed Chief Justice. In 1996, he was also awarded the Cacique Crown of Honour (CCH) for distinguished service in the area of law. But of course, his most pride possession was said to be his appointment as Chancellor of the Judiciary in 1999.
Justice Kennard served this country with distinction and humility since 1962. He was a great husband, father and friend to many, a true stalwart, true son of the soil.
Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club in good shape for Boxing Day
After the pandemic halted sport, the Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club had a drought from horse racing. However, in 2022, infrastructure work was done at the venue. Chief Executive Officer of the venue, Basil Bactawar said:
“When the Covid-19 came, there was no horse racing. What we had to do, was to look at our stands and see what repair is needed, so it was retrofitted with 800 new bolts. We look at the foundation, refurbished all the rotten woods was taken care of and we did a general repair to the stands, so as it is, it is in perfect conditions, ready for the next race meeting”
He added: “this track is excellent. If you have rain in the morning, and if you have good sunshine from 10-12, or half-day sunshine, the track is ready for racing. It is well drained, it is the best in Guyana, this race track here.”
The real development of the Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club started way back in 1962 but became dormant for a few years due to some teething problems but was resuscitated in 1978. The upcoming race set for December 26, 2022 will see six exciting races.
