Sunday racing on this weekend

Orville Clarke, Gleaner Writer

Sunday racing returns to Caymanas Park on January 30 with an eight-race programme, and this time it's being promoted as a 'Family Race Day'.

Plans for this the first Sunday meet in 13 months, and the third since that historic first meet on November 29, 2009, were outlined by representatives of Caymanas Track Limited (CTL) at yesterday's press launch in the Trainers' Room at Caymanas Park.

Chris Armond, acting CEO and director of marketing at CTL, said the meet will feature the annual renewal of the 3-y-o and up open allowance race for the St Catherine Cup over 1100 metres, for which 10 entries have been received.

These include MINISTEROFJUSTICE, who has been allotted topweight of 60.5kg, the recent winner COMMANDER ZERO, stable-companion FLUFFY, TRIPLE ACCOUNT, BRASH & SASSY and MACHISMO.

Armond recalled that late last year the CTL board took a decision to stage a Sunday programme with a difference.

"The marketing department is trying to experiment, hence a number of things will be done differently," he said.

"The emphasis will be on the Kiddies' Village on the infield and this will include bounceabout, train rides, bungee jumping, the mechanical bull and other activities," he added.

Innovations

Armond further stated that there will be food courts, exhibition booths and other innovations, some sponsored by private companies, along with a goat race (no betting) organised by CTL director Camille Buchanan, who has donated a trophy, while music will be provided by Quantum Disco.

Although the infield activities have been geared towards the youngsters, the promoters say unaccompanied minors will not be allowed access. There will be free admission to the infield for children under 12, but adults will pay $200.

Critical component

As was the case with the two previous Sunday meets, the critical off-track betting component will not be allowed, nor will the bookmakers be permitted to open. In addition, live or delayed broadcasts of the races on radio or television are also restricted.

The local racing programme will be complemented by simulcast racing from Aqueduct in New York.

Armond also spoke of an initiative by CTL chairman Tony Hart, to reduce the takeout on place dividends from 30 to 20 per cent for simulcast racing.

Also speaking were CTL's deputy chairman Raphael Gordon who, with off-track betting again restricted, hopes that the steps taken will improve on the break-even situation of the two previous meets, as well as racing secretary Denzil Miller Jr.