Bigga stays in saddle for Oaks

Orville Clarke, Gleaner Writer

The season's third classic, the Bigga Jamaica Oaks, to be run over 2000 metres, for native-bred three-year-old fillies, will mark its 72nd running at Caymanas Park on Saturday, April 30, and in keeping with the theme, it will be 'Ladies Day' at the track.

This was announced by represent-atives of sponsor Wisynco Group and promoter Caymanas Track Limited (CTL) at yesterday's press launch at the Knutsford Court Hotel, New Kingston.

Joffia Johnson-Bell, business-development executive, Wisynco, noted that this is the fourth year that Wisynco, though its brand, Bigga soft drinks, will be title sponsor of the fillies' classic for the Hilma Veira Trophy, with a total purse of $3.3 million.

"We are delighted to be on board again as this race provides an opportunity for this very Jamaican brand to connect with its customers through the sport of kings," said Johnson-Bell.

honoured

"It is with pleasure that we lend our support to the ongoing development of horseracing in Jamaica. As such, our contribution to the purse this year will be $750,000.

"Punters will have the opportunity to place bets on a race that was initially for fun and laughter, but has now grown to become customary on the day.

"This is the Bigga Gimmick Race, which features female jockeys and their human mounts galloping down the track. We will also have hat giveaways to the first 100 ladies to enter the gates at Caymanas, and lots of giveaways in the stands," she said.

Unlike previous years when outstanding women in various fields were honoured on Oaks Day (sports, arts and culture, tourism, entertainment), Johnson-Bell explained this will not take place this year, owing to a number of factors. However, she gave the assurance that this popular event would return next year.

Meanwhile, in providing raceday details, CTL's racing secretary, Denzil Miller Jr, said despite the absence of the 1000 Guineas runner-up, TREASURE GIRL, who has been shipped off to Trinidad and Tobago by her owner, the race should provide lots of fireworks.

He said Guineas winner NIPHAL from the in-form stable of Gary Subratie will be gunning to win yet another classic, but keen competition is expected from the stable companions CARIDAD and ISNT SHE SOMETHIN, along with the lightly raced but promising RIGHT MARKER, SWEET TRAIL, CASHMERE GOLD and ATRAILOFTEARS.

Miller said the card will also feature the Ricochet Trophy for maiden three-year-old fillies over 1000 metres (round) and the inaugural running of the Sam Mahfood Memorial Cup.

Camille Buchanan, acting CEO and a director of CTL, said: "Instead of a handful of women being honoured, our main focus is to broaden the whole women's day concept to include all women that attend the track on this occasion.

"We will be giving away scores of red roses, while there will be prizes and surprises for the women who we are encouraging to come out in their hats," Buchanan said.