FCB card opens 2004 season

An exciting day’s racing is in store for patrons attending races on the opening day of the 2004 racing season at Santa Rosa Park, Arima. This was the assurance give by Dirk Smith, Corporate Manager, Treasury and International Trade of First Citizens Bank, official sponsors of the New Year’s Day card.

The details were given at a press conference called yesterday at FCB’s head office in Port-of-Spain to launch the “First Citizens Bank New Year’s Day of Racing.” Smith said it was no coincidence the bank chose the first day of the new season, as it signifies the position FCB holds in the banking sector. FCB was proud to be associated with the event, he said since it will  showcase the best crop of three-year-olds, the top horses in the industry and some of the leading jockeys on the international stage. He said three feature races will be staged on the day and the generous purse of $75,000 is being offered as prize money for the main event, the First Citizens Bank Sian Gold Sprint. The total sponsorship, however, will be $200,000. “The sport has undergone a tremendous revival through the tireless efforts of the ARC and it is now perceived to be the fastest growing sport in TT. We feel proud to be involved with this exceptional event, which reinforces our commitment to sports,” Smith said.

Gerard Ferreira, president of the ARC said horse racing is experiencing “exceptional growth” and since he got involved it has been “taking the corners fast.” He thanked FCB for their generous support and felt thoroughbred racing and FCB forms a natural partnership. John O’Brien, first vice president of the ARC threw light on the Jockeys’ Championship to be staged on the card. He said the championship will be over three races, and will comprise riding teams from Panama, Venezuela, Canada, Barbados, an All Star line-up, comprising Emile Ramsammy and Patrick Husbands, and possibly two locals. He said prizes in the Championship will be US$10,000. Robin Jaisingh, Secretary of the ARC, said long and hard research went into framing the highlight events and stated all will be on the grass. “The ground on which the race will be held is the same colour of the FCB logo” he mused. He said tremendous support has been promised for all all quarters and large fields are expected. 

Ferreira returned to the mike to remind those in attendance to watch out for their television presentation From the Horses Mouth. The show, filmed in conjunction with the Betting Levy Board and The Competitive Edge Corporation Limited will be shown of TTT at 9.05pm tomorrow. It will feature interviews with owners, trainers, jockeys and grooms and a special feature of the story behind the success of this year’s triple crown winner Top Of The Class.