Bookmakers back as racing sponsors

And president Peter George at a news conference at Crowne Plaza Hotel yesterday made it known, his association begins a new era in sponsorship of local racing for the long-haul — every year.

The bookmakers, apart from sponsoring the classic Guineas Stakes for three-year-old thoroughbreds and all other races on the day’s programme on Tuesday, Indian Arrival Day, have one of their own Fairchance Racing Service sponsoring the sub-feature Eric “Colt” Durant Memorial Turf Handicap.

George pointed out that local racing must survive and was happy it is improving all the time, and it is the hope of all that the Arima Race Club will be self-sufficient.

He said his organisation has an important role to play from the point of view of collection of taxes, and saw them (the BA) also playing a pivotal role in the survival of local racing.

George said there has been a cordial tripartite relationship between the BA, ARC and the Betting Levy Board, and after a short break, “we are back sponsoring local racing every year once again.”

New ARC 1st vice-president Kama Maharaj thanked George and his association for their sponsorship, and noted that it played a big part in the survival of racing all over the world.

Later ARC racing secretary Robin Jaisingh told the gathering he expected a “bumper day of racing” and turfites can look for a programme of 11 to 12 races on Bookmakers Association Day.

Apart from the day’s sponsorship, the bookmakers are giving hampers to the winning grooms and trainers of horses in the Guineas and “Colt” Durant Memorial. And they will award the winning jockeys of both races trophies.

Added to this, Maniram Maharaj jr, son of the affable “Bobby, has donated a $500 prize to the champion rider on the day and a similar prize to the top trainer.

And the best dressed groom in each race in cultural attire, will get $100, courtesy Russell Ramsammy Electrical Contractors.

At the draw for positions, the Guineas big six got - Sara’s Music 8, Jacobite 10, Greek Princess 14, Angel Of Music 13, Windjammer 12 and Phantomoftheopera 5.

Here is the full draw for positions for the Guineas: 1. Smoothanalert; 2. Bluff Bid; 3. Harbour Master; 4. Sing The Blues; 5. Phantomoftheopera; 6. Adios Amigos; 7. Feelikemakinluv; 8. Sara’s Music; 9. Bold Mover; 10. Jacobite; 11. Millionaire; 12. Windjammer; 13. Angel Of Music; 14. Greek Princess; 15. Apocalypse.

Draw for the “Colt” Durant Memorial: 1. Royal Miss; 2. Invincibility; 3. Carib Time; 4. Lekh Raj; 5. Crown Point; 6. Captain America; 7. Peace Offering.