Developments in local horse-racing: Rising Sun Turf Club to hold People’s Day horse meet on May 28

A seven-race card is slated to be held at the Rising Sun Turf Club (RSTC) on the West Coast of Berbice (Region 5) on Sunday May 28th, 2023, and more than $6 million in prize money will be up for grabs.
Promoter of the day’s activities, Fazal Habibulla, has said, “I am very thankful to Banks DIH for their continued sponsorship, for making this day a success. The day is a collaborative effort amongst fellow promoters, who are assisting me put on the card.”

Speaking about pre-entries which were accepted since last week for the seven-race card, Habibulla revealed, “I have to thank horse owners and trainers for their support also. The day’s card has been well supported. It’s over six million($6M)in purse money on offer. Purses will be paid after each race is declared official. I want owners to enjoy themselves on the day.
“My advice to patrons and horsemen (is) to get to the track as early as possible, as it is a day of celebration. I could safely tell you this race day is for the people. I am calling it the People’s Day, as it is an after-Independence Day lime to celebrate our Independence Day, which is on the 26th May. However, we are not having racing on that day (May 26), but two days later – 28th May – which they, the people, can celebrate as ‘One Guyana’ at Rising Sun”.
Asked why Rising Sun is such a popular track, the well-respected Fazal Habibulla declared, “Rising Sun is the people’s track. They feel at home when they race at Rising Sun. I am very appreciative of the support of Jumbo and his son Junior, along with Chris Jagdeo and his son ‘Turbo’.”
Racing action was restarted at the RSTC by the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee (JJTRC) on March 12th, 2023 in memory of racing pioneer Insanally “Sonny” Habibula, now deceased. His son, horse trainer Fazal Habibulla, won the feature event, named in honour of his dad (‘Sonny’) with Ariana’s Vision.