The biggest social event on the sporting calendar in the country on New Year’s Day, the SINOTRUK Classic will be at Rising Sun Turf Club (RSTC) racecourse, Rising Sun, Berbice.
Two phenomenal revenge bouts are on the cards.
Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee (JJTRC), the country’s leading horse racing promoter, will get proceedings underway with an ultra-competitive eight-race card.
This card is a preview of bigger things to come next year according to JJTRC’s head of racing, Nasrudeen Mohamed Jr.
The feature event on the card is billed as a battle of the sexes rematch between Sunday’s winner Spankhurst (gelding) and runner-up Bossalina (mare), and Derby winners Red Ruby and Firecracker.
The Guyana-bred two-year-olds will be competing on the card that is written to recognise and promote the Guyana-bred horses, who continue to keep the sport alive.
Speaking to ,Guyana Times Sport about the surge in the racehorse population and the day’s activities, Junior – as Mohamed is affectionately known – said: “This year was a tremendous season for the sport. It generated a renewed confidence in the sport. This was underlined by the record number of horses imported into the country. ”
He explained, “It was the first time horses were imported from Brazil to compete in the country. Over 60 horses were imported from Trinidad and the USA to improve the racing and breeding stock. This demonstrates that horsemen are looking at the future by purchasing horses in utero (in foal). I wish to thank those horsemen for their foresight, and confidence in the sport’s future.”
Junior then switched lane, when asked how would the sport handle the increased population. He declared, “I have been reliably informed that the Government have recognised it also. They are working feverishly to uplift the sport to where it should be in Guyana and the Caribbean. The horse racing fraternity thanks Government for recognising the contribution and employment the sport is providing for the country.”
Touching on the Guyana Cup, the second biggest sporting event behind cricket in the country, Junior disclosed, “The people of Guyana literally brings the country to a halt on Guyana Cup Day. We are improving this product every year. Next year, it is no secret any more. The purse in the Guyana will be much bigger than last year’s. It could be the richest or rival any racing country in the Caribbean. The other races on the Guyana Cup Day card will benefit financially also. My pledge to horsemen – we will not disappoint. Rain or sun, we recognise and respect your investment to build the industry.”
Junior then wished “everyone a very prosperous and peaceful 2024”. “Be safe, and come out to the racetrack for a day of relaxation, and entertainment,” he added.
