Record-breaking stakes, top-tier musical entertainment at Guyana Cup 2025

By Avenash Ramzan

avenash@newsroom.gy

In a fusion of sporting excellence and top-tier musical entertainment, the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee is set to stage the biggest Guyana Cup horse race meet on August 17 at the Rising Sun Turf Club in West Berbice.

The 17^th edition of the marque sport event will have over G$50M at stake, one of the largest purse ever for a horse racing event in the Caribbean.

A record 11 hotly contested races are carded for the day, with race one galloping off at 11:00h. Gates will open at 09:00h.

Flashback! Olympic Kremlin charging to victory in the Guyana Cup 2024 at Rising Sun Turf Club

This year’s event is set to give the ‘Sport of Kings’ an unprecedented boost with the announcement of a record-breaking G$20M (approximately US$100,000) purse for the feature race.

“The move follows the long-awaited passage of new Horse Racing Legislation, which has been hailed as a pivotal moment for the sport in the country,” the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee said as it swiftly responded to the legislative development by significantly increasing the stakes.

The feature race winner will take a record purse of G$10M, the most significant first prize in Guyanese racing history.

And when the sun goes down, international artistes Machel Montano, Popcaan and Ravi B, along with their respective bands, will take centre stage in a fusion of soca, dancehall and chutney music.

Speaking at the official launch of the event on Tuesday in the boardroom of title sponsor Banks DIH Limited were Banks Beer Brand Manager Brian Choo-Hen, Operations Manager of the Guyana Cup Andre Rochford and founder of the Guyana Cup, Nasrudeen Mohamed Jr.

Races carded for the day:

• Guyana Bred Non-Earners (Four years and older)
• Guyana Bred (Three years and older) classified K-Class and Lower
• Guyana Bred (Three years and older) classified J-Class and Lower
• Guyana and West Indian Bred Juveniles
• Guyana and West Indian Bred classified H-Class and Lower
• Guyana and West Indian Bred classified G-Class and Lower
• Guyana Bred Derby
• Sprint Classic Open to all Classes (Three years and up)
• Imported Juvenile (New Event)
• Brazilian and West Indian Bred Derby (New Event)
• Guyana Cup 2025 (automatic entry for 2024 champion Olympic Kremlin of Slingerz Stable)

The Imported Juvenile and Brazilian and West Indian Bred Derby will be introduced at the Guyana Cup for the first time.

Imported Juvenile: This race was created to facilitate the participation of ‘younger’ foreign competitors, who have expressed an interest in featuring in the Guyana Cup.

“The Committee is paying attention to the large importation of top-bred horses, which would help the breeding industry in the future,” the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee explained.

“The top bloodlines being bred in Guyana will result in stronger, more competitive thoroughbreds to compete at the higher levels, locally and internationally.”

The Committee is contemplating a change to either the Guyana Cup and/or the Imported Juvenile being a race for only fillies.

“This would be a game-changer to import more top quality mares for a brighter future for our breeding industry.”

Brazilian and West Indian Bred Derby: The Guyana Cup Derby typically features West Indian and Guyana Bred horses, and over the years, the West Indian Bred animals have repeatedly been dominant over the locals.

About this new race, the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee said: “We found it appropriate to introduce a race where the Brazilian horses race against the West Indies Bred horses for the first time ever in the Guyana Cup Derby.”

“It is a known fact that Brazilian horses have demonstrated excellent performances in top classes regionally and internationally, hence we are creating a level battlefield in Guyana for these horses to showcase their talents.”

Venue Layout and Costs 

The transformation of the venue is geared to enhance the spectator experience, giving them a view of the horse racing and the concert from any area of the Rising Sun Turf Club they choose to visit.

General Admission: G$6,000 (Early bird G$5,000)

• Access to horse racing and concert

VIP: G$55,000 (Early bird G$40,000)

• Stage front access to concert, and also gives access to horse racing during the day

VVIP: G$100,000 (Early bird G$75,000)

• All-inclusive ticket gives access to designated VVIP Cabana-style area for the horse racing from 10:00h to 18:00h, perfectly positioned with a main stage in front of the finish line and a massive 24ft viewing screen. From 18:00h to 01:00h, ticket holders will enjoy the view from an elevated deck at a prime location beside stage front. VVIP access includes food and drinks all day and night, with stylish cocktail tables.

Elevated Cabana: G$300,000

• This Cabana caters for 15 persons in a private elevated 12×12 tent for horse racing only, complete with two tables, 10 chairs and dedicated toilet access. All Cabanas are inter-connected by a stylish catwalk, creating a unified viewing experience where guests can celebrate together while enjoying an unobstructed view of the entire homestretch to the finish line.

Non-Elevated Cabana: G$200,000

• Each Cabana package includes a private non-elevated 12×12 deck for the horse racing only with two tables and 10 chairs. It caters for 20 persons.

Corporate Package: G$1,500,000

• This package offers a VVIP experience in the day (09:00h to 18:00h) and an elevated deck in the night (18:00h to 01:00h). An escort is provided. Features of the all-inclusive package are food and drinks, 12×12 elevated deck with luxury seating for 12 persons, five premium bottles (one champagne, four spirits), a dedicated waitress and prime visibility in the VVIP zone.

Attractions: In the lead up to the race, there will approximately 30 road shows across the country, geared to promote the mega event. Billboards will also be mounted at strategic points.

On the day itself, there will be a ‘Kiddies Zone’, a vibrant cultural parade to showcase Guyana’s diversity and 10 small businesses will be given an opportunity to showcase their products and services.

Title sponsor Banks DIH Limited will also erect a ‘Banks Village’, giving access to all types of ticket-holders.

In terms of traffic management on the day and general safety for patrons, the the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee is working closely with the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Fire Service to put systems in place for an incident-free day.

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