CABLE & WIRELESS Limited has donated a whopping $2 million for the St. Leger race meet at Caymanas Park on Saturday, July 5.
This was disclosed by Patrick King, head of business, mobile, at Cable & Wireless Limited at yesterday's launch of the 2003 Cable & Wireless Mobile Jamaica St. Leger for native bred three-year-olds over 2000 metres, the season's final classic.
It offers a total purse of $1.75 million, but this should surpass the $2 million mark given the pending increase in purses (40 per cent) effective July 1.
The St. Leger, which last year was known as the World Talk St. Leger, marks the third straight year that Cable & Wireless Limited has come aboard as sponsors.
"We are very excited to be involved in the venture with Caymanas Track Limited," said King.
"Because of the importance we feel the racing industry plays in Jamaica and with its new thrust in the tourism and travel market, Cable & Wireless Mobile found it necessary to get involved at the highest level.
"Our $2 million sponsorship is an indication of the importance we place on the event and we expect that over the next few years this alliance will continue."
King also disclosed that C&W will be offering an exciting package to all at the track. For one, C&W will offer its GPRS product for those who wish to surf the worldwide web free of cost.
Additionally, there will be a lot of give-aways of Cable & Wireless products along with an entertainment package featuring two high-profile artistes to be announced at a later date. C&W will also fete its customers and partners under the tent on the infield.
Also speaking was CTL's racing secretary, Denzil Miller Jr. who provided the raceday details.
Miller said the day, highlighted by the 77th running of the St. Leger, should be very exciting and special for racing fans as for the second consecutive year (following SIMPLY MAGIC), a Triple Crown winner could emerge in A KING IS BORN, who romped the Red Stripe Derby on June 14 and also captured the Track Price Plus 2000 Guineas in April.
Victory for A KING IS BORN would enable him to become the 16th Triple Crown winner in the history of local racing.
Miller listed A KING IS BORN, the Derby runner-up REAR ADMIRAL, Derby third PITTACUS along with Lotto Classic winner HERECOMESFUDGIE, Courts Jamaica Oaks heroine NAUGHTY BY NATURE, JERICHO, JOHNNY'S KING and BANJUHAR as the horses who will make up the field for he most part.
