Trinidadian jockey Flavenney eyeing smooth transition in Guyana
Nigel Flavenney (in front) will be riding in Guyana on Sunday at the Race of Champions
Guyana horse racing continues to attract and inspire those outside of Guyana. With more than G$10 million in cash and prizes up for grabs on Sunday, April 28 at the Jumbo Jet Race of Champions, Trinidadian jockey Nigel Flavenney has secured his flight to Guyana. Flavenney will suit up at the Rising Sun Turf Club, and he is hoping to bring his 20 years of experience to the Guyana horse racing population.
“Everything so far has been a nice experience in Guyana. I have been in horse racing for 20 years now,” the Trinidadian jockey said.
Sharing his sentiments on the tracks in Guyana, Flavenney said: “The turns in Guyana are a bit tighter, but the races will be competitive. That means jocks will be position riders, and we must position our horses a lot faster than back home in Trinidad. I have three rides so far, but I am looking for two more rides.”
Flavenney, like his fellow Trinidadian jockeys, are seeking greener pastures in the Land of Many Waters. “An owner called me and offer me an opportunity, and I took it. Right now, in Trinidad, the race in Trinidad is a bit poor, and we need more help, but I had to look for the opportunity where it is. That is why I am out here in Guyana. You are getting a lot more work here,” Flavenney said.
The confident jockey is telling his fellow riders to look out for greatness, as his strength is being the front-running jockey.
The feature race at the Jumbo Jet Race of Champions, open to all imported and locally bred horses running at 1600 metres, will see the top horse walking away with G$2,000,000. In addition to Banks DIH, the sponsors are AJM Enterprise, Jumbo Jet, Sino Truck, and XCMG.
A total purse of G$3,750,000 will be divided for the feature race, while the entry fee is G$232,500. In addition to the feature event, six more races are on the cards. All races will be run under the guidance of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority’s rules.
Entries closed on Wednesday, April 24. The race of champions will get going at 12:00h at Rising Sun, and admission is G$2000.
