The elite horses for the feature race in the Guyana Cup were confirmed on Monday evening during the post position draw at the AC Hotel by Marriott at Ogle, East Coast Demerara (ECD).
Defending champion and Master Z Stables talisman, Dataman was drawn in the first gate.
The competition will be fierce on Sunday, August 23, at Rising Sun Turf Club, as Slingerz Racing Stables has lined up three horses for the feature, including former Guyana Cup champion Olympic Kremlin and debutants Olympic National and Vitruvian.
The Master Z/Jumbo Jet Racing stables have also lined up a star-studded core, with Stat running in gate two, alongside Dataman.
Js Racing Stables has also lined up new faces for the Guyana Cup, and the race will have five new horses lined up.
The horses and their respective gates for the feature race at the Guyana Cup are Dataman, Stat, Frontline Warrior, Mapa do Brasil, Olympic Kremlin, Olympic National, Santorini, I’m Sam, Vitruvian and Sand Pipes.
The post-position draw was also graced by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, and Minster of Tourism Susan Rodrigues.
Both Ministers lauded the growth of the Guyana Cup and outlined the positive impact it brings to the sport and tourism sector.
Minister Ramson was delighted with the legislation being passed, and he explained the passion and drive His Excellency, President Irfaan Ali, has shown in the sport of kings.
Ramson Jr, divulging on the Government’s commitment to the development of the sport, shared, “We also now have the commitment from our international partners, Jamaica and the UK, where we could advance the development aggressively. So, we’re only going to develop this industry in the way we would like to see it by having a strong partnership and a culture of cooperation. That’s the way it will happen; you have that commitment from us.”
Meanwhile, Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee Chairman Nasrudeen Mohamed Jr remarked at the event, “We’re now only days away from what we believe will be one of the biggest Guyana Cups we’ve ever hosted. The horses are here, the preparations are underway and they’re moving quickly, and the excitement across the country is building.”
“I would like to thank the Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport; Banks DIH; and all of our sponsors. And most importantly, our horsemen and horsewomen, without everyone working together, an event of this magnitude simply wouldn’t be possible,” Mohamed further stated.
The organisers for the Guyana Cup have also presented plaques to Minister Charles Ramson and Stuart Gonzales for their dedication to the horse racing fraternity. Gonzales was specially recognised for his contribution to the breeding industry.
A total of 14 races will be running at this year’s Guyana Cup, and more than GY$66 million in cash and prizes will be paid out. The first race is set for a 9:00h start, sharp, at the Rising Sun Turf Club.
Jagdeo Racing Stables have also added new horses to their roster, ensuring this year’s Guyana Cup will be an unforgettable one.
The feature race, which will be the Banks Guyana Cup, will fetch a purse of GY$22 million.
Highlighting this remarkable factor was Banks DIH’s Communications Executive Sonya Forrester, who spoke to the growth of the event.
“Every single year we see, as a part of this process, this premier horse racing event gets bigger, better and bolder, and, of course, this year is no different. On August 23, $66+ million in prizes and, of course, the Banks Guyana Cup mile worth $22.5M, and that’s not just a number; it’s an indication of how far the sport has come and where it’s going,” Forrester shared at Monday’s post position draw.
She added, “For Banks DIH Limited, being a part of this moment feels natural. Banks Beer and Coca-Cola have been on the rails with Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Committee for over 15 years now, and there is something special about what we see happening in this sport.”
General admission tickets are $5000, the VVIP experience is $25,000, and private VIP decks are $500,000.
A brand new four-door SinoTruk pick-up will be up for the taking from the raffle exercise. The raffle ticket locations are located at Jumbo Jet office in Smyth Street, Js Supermarket, Js Outlet, and Poonai’s Pharmacy. The raffle ticket cost only $2000.
This Guyana Cup will be one of significant difference, with the event being for the entire family. A kids’ zone will be in place, and a host of prizes will be rewarded on the day.
The Guyana Cup also has additional parking and more screens at the venue to offer a more visible and enjoyable race day.
The races will be only a 45-minute drive away from Georgetown, and fans from across the Caribbean are expected to be in attendance to witness the most high-profile racing event in Guyana’s history.
The races for the Guyana Cup 2026 are:
Banks Guyana Cup (One Mile) – Total purse: GY$22,500,000
Peter Lewis Guyana Cup Sprint (5 ½ Furlongs) – Total purse: GY$7,500,000
Forrester’s Imported Derby (One Mile) – Total purse: GY$7,500,000
Mohamed’s Excavating Sir Balaji Derby (One Mile) – Total purse: GY$5,625,000
J’s Imported Juvenile Fillies Sprint (5 ½ Furlongs) – Total purse: GY$3,750,000
BM. Soat Locally Bred Dash (5 ½ Furlongs) – Total purse: GY$2,812,500
P Jagdeo E-Class (One Mile) – Total purse: GY$2,812,500
Jagmohan F-Class (One Mile) – Total purse: GY$1,875,000
ARONCO H-Class (One Mile) – Total purse: GY$1,875,000
C.I. H3 N.W.3 (One Mile) – Total purse: GY$1,875,000
Avinash Local Maidens (One Mile) – Total purse: GY$2,812,500
Big G’s J-Class (One Mile) – Total purse: GY$1,875,000
Garen Pro K-Class (One Mile) – Total purse: GY$1,875,000
Sawh L Class Sprint (One Mile) – Total purse: GY$1,875,000
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