The history books were rewritten on Friday evening when the first-ever Horsemen and Equine Stars of 2023 Awards Ceremony were hosted by the “One Guyana” Horse-Racing Committee (OGHC).
In a simple but significant ceremony held at the Old Broom Lounge in Corentyne Berbice, Spankhurst was adjudged “horse of the year 2023” after a thrilling win at the Boxing Day races.
Jumbo Jet Racing Stables have been adjudged “champion owners for 2023”, while Colin Ross has been adjudged “jockey of the year”.
Feature speaker Dennis Deoroop spoke of impending legislation that would ‘green light’ legislative processes to regulate horse-racing in Guyana from very early next year. This, he explained, would see a surge in sports tourism for the country, as fellow Caribbean countries would be sending horses to compete. He said the international racing jurisdiction will also follow suit.
Winners’ row: The awardees of the 2023 “One Guyana” Horse-Racing Committee
Deoroop promised that the horse-racing industry would see a boom, and though he did not compare that boom to the one of the oil industry, he hinted that purses would be significantly increased. His statement was endorsed by retired racing journalist Glen Mohammed, who spoke about the future of the sport and this year’s influx into Guyana of horses from Trinidad and the USA.
The newly-opened Old Broom Lounge where the event was hosted came in for high praise for the home style cooking and the wide array of dishes prepared, which the gathering enjoyed.
Former Guyana Test cricketer Devendra Bishoo, who handed out the plaque to Damain Dharamjit, trainer of the “horse of the year” Spankhurst, was also very upbeat about the initiative introduced by the racing fraternity to recognize the achievements of horsemen and horses.
Here are the champions of 2023:
CHAMPION OLDER HORSE GUYANA-BRED: Amazing Grace
CHAMPION TWO-YEAR-OLD GUYANA-BRED: Star Fire Gold
CHAMPION THREE-YEAR-OLD GUYANA-BRED: Rachel
CHAMPION BREEDER: Bronson cheefoon
CHAMPION THREE-YEAR-OLD: Red Ruby
CHAMPION OWNER: Jumbo Jet Racing Stable
CHAMPION JOCKEY: Colin Ross
