For the 9th consecutive year, the feature race of the Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club’s (KMTC) Boxing Day extravaganza will be sponsored the Metro Office and Computer Supplies chain of stationery stores.
Metro’s Assistant Manager, Ariff Baksh (left) hands over the symbolic cheque and the towering Metro trophy to Justice Cecil Kennard
Since 2009, the Ramnarayan and the Kharag families have been committed to providing the stakes and cash prize for the feature race of the Boxing Day card in honour of Deo Kharag who is a former president of the Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club at Bush Lot Farm. Kharag, who is the father of current president of Metro Office and School Supplies, Ron Ramnarayan was at the helm of the turf club from 1955 until he migrated to the USA in the 1970s but remained involved in the club’s work.
At the confirmation ceremony at Metro’s Quamina street branch on Wednesday, Assistant Manager Ariff Baksh presented the sponsorship cheque and winning trophy for the feature race of the day to Justice Cecil Kennard and stated that his company is once again pleased to be associated with the event.
In response, current President of the KMTC, Justice Cecil Kennard stated that the history of the Kharag and Ramnarayan families and the KMTC has lead to the realization of the new initiative which is now a tradition that is now in its ninth year. Kennard, who spoke of the importance of sponsorship to sustain any sport was also high in praise for the commitment shown by Metro to not only the Boxing Day card but to the other KMTC events throughout the year.
The Boxing Day Horse Racing card has been a Guyanese tradition since 1936 and turfites from Guyana and further afield look forward to the wholesome family entertainment.
In all, there are seven events cared for the day with the feature race being for horses classified C and lower battling over a distance of nine furlongs for the top prize of $1,000,000 and the Metro trophy.
Entries so far for the top prize include defending champion, Golden Blue Echo, Princess she is not, Goodwill Boy, Lady Budapest, Brave Sky, Honey Flow, Just Call Me Boss, Storm Bird and the unbeaten Vera Finally.
There is a total of 60 horses that are registered for the one-day of competitive races which begins from 13:00h on Tuesday at the turf club at Bush Lot farm on the Corentyne Coast.
Other events carded for the day are L-Non Winners, F and Lower, Two-Year-old Guyana Bred Open, L Class Open, H and Lower, and J3 and K and L Lower.
Admission is $1,200 for adults and $600 for children.
