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Pepsi rides on-board with Gold Cup deal

Published:Wednesday | November 24, 2010 | 12:00 AM
Carlo Redwood (second left), marketing manager, Pepsi Cola Jamaica Bottling Company, hands over the new Pepsi Gold Cup to Chris Armond, acting CEO and marketing director, Caymanas Track Limited (CTL), at yesterday's launch of Pepsi Gold Cup Day at The Knutsford Court hotel, New Kingston. Looking on (from left) are Heather Bulgin, Pepsi's on premise sales manager; CTL's racing secretary Denzil Miller Jr; and Ruth Ann Smith-Sutherland, general manager of the Jamaica Racing Commission. - Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer


Orville Clarke, Gleaner Writer

The Jamaica Bottling Company Limited has thrown its hat into the ring with sponsorship of the Pepsi Gold Cup, for top class horses over 1400 metres at Caymanas Park on Saturday, December 4.

Details were announced by representatives of the sponsors and promoters at yesterday's launch at the Knutsford Court Hotel, New Kingston.

Described as "the most important and prestigious handicap race on the racing calendar" by CTL's acting CEO and marketing director, Chris Armond, this the 39th running of the grade one race offers a total purse of $2 million, inclusive of $1 million from Pepsi.

According to Armond, who proposed a 'Grand Slam' Series of four major-sponsored races from 1200 metres up to 1820 metres next year, the race promises to be extremely competitive as it brings together the top stars of the local turf.

They include the November 13 Caribbean Sprint Champion SAINT CECELIA, the crack American filly RONRON, who recently romped the CTL Imported Mile and of course, THE GUV, who beat RONRON when they last met in the fast-run L.R. 'Bob' Mayall Memorial Trophy over a mile on September 25.

Other horses expected to start are the 2009 Superstakes winner HOMBRE, HONEYOFALADY, HEART OF GOLD, MINISTEROFJUSTICE, BRASH & SASSY, PRIME MINISTER and SKITTLE QUEEN.

Select band

The Spencer Chung-trained filly, SAINT CECELIA, will be gunning to join a select band of horses to have won the race in successive years - KILOWATT, who won the inaugural running of the then Benson & Hedges-sponsored Gold Cup in 1967, repeated in 1968 and 1970, EROS (1994, 1995) and I'MSATISFIED (2001, 2002).

Carlo Redwood, marketing manager Pepsi, said his company is proud to be partnering with CTL in this undertaking.

"As the number one carbonated cola brand in Jamaica, Pepsi strives to connect with our Jamaican consumers by enhancing their experiences in music such as Pepsi Rebel Salute and Pepsi/ISSA Schoolboy Football and in this instance the Sport of Kings.

"Pepsi promises fun and excitement for the children as we present the Pepsi Kiddies Village where children will not only be able to enjoy refreshments courtesy of some of our fantastic brands - Tropicana, Toma, Aqua Essential Water and D&G flavours - but tons of rides, games and giveaways all day long," explained Redwood, who was quick to add that the day would not be complete without a sensational musical experience.

The Pepsi Gold Cup after party will see performances by the popular Pepsi Tastee Talent trial fina-lists along with a very special performance by Tifa.