Horse racing on the rise in Guyana says Trinidadian trainer

Trinidadian trainer Shaun Mohammed is of the contention that the sport of horse racing is on the upward move once again in Guyana and expects it to get better in years to come.
Speaking to Guyana Times Sport in Berbice, Mohammed said, “its lovely, from the way in which racing was here to where it now, it’s a big difference; you can see the racing in Guyana somewhere right now.”
Though calls are increasingly being made for legislation on the sport, not much progress has been seen thus far.
Legislation will allow for the free-flow of horses in and out of Guyana since it will help foster relationships with regional and international racing bodies.

The trainer explained that most of the horses in Guyana would usually come from the local breed in Trinidad.
He said “most of the local breed from Trinidad, the Guyanese connection would usually come and buy in the yelling sale, for the past four years, we have had great support from the Guyanese and it’s always nice to come and see how far horse racing has gone in Guyana.”
Another member of the Trinidadian contingent Jockey Ridge Balgobin said that the experiences of riding in Guyana are quite unique and he is enjoying it.
Balgobin, who visited these shores before but did not ride, will have first chance at competing on Sunday said, “ the track is quite smaller than ours but it’s good to go; I’m hoping to have a nice day in Guyana and I like how the competition is coming so it means it is getting better and better every year.”
The trainer and jockey are currently in Guyana for the 10th edition of the Jumbo Jet presentation of Guyana Cup which be held this Sunday at the Port Mourant Turf Club this Sunday August 14.
Nine exciting races are carded for the day with stables, horses and jockeys from across the Caribbean battling for $30 million in cash and prizes.
For the first time, the first prize will be $4 million as well as $500,000 bonus for the winning horse and $200,000 for the winning jockey in the ‘A’ Class and lower feature race.
Admission is $2000 for adults and $1000 for children. Race time is 11:00h.