By Orville Clarke, Freelance Writer'RACING AHEAD' is the theme for the fourth annual RJR Corporate Raceday at Caymanas Park on Saturday, July 26.
Details for the meet, which features the fourth running of the RJR Classic (overnight allowance) for three-year-olds and up over 1500 metres, were outlined by representatives of the RJR Communications Group and Caymanas Track Limited (CTL) at yesterday's launch on the infield at Caymanas Park.
In addition to the RJR Classic, which offers an increased purse of $440,000, the Group will sponsor four other races on the card, including the Lester Spaulding Gold Cup (Starter Handicap) over 1600 metres and the Radio 2 Sports Trophy over the straight five course.
Speaking on behalf of the sponsors, RJR Group finance manager Rupert Hartley said the occasion "provides us with an ideal opportunity to get together with our clients".
He promised that no effort would be spared by the Group's marketing team to ensure a memorable race day.
"Our loyal fans will have a chance to win exciting prizes donated by our clients... It promises to be an enjoyable, fun-filled affair", he declared. Clients will be entertained under the tent on the infield.
Also speaking were Yvonne Wilks, marketing manager RJR Communications Group; Millicent Lynch, CTL's executive manager for marketing, track announcer Howard Abrahams, who provided raceday details, and Master of Ceremonies Simon Crosskill, head of sports RJR Group.
Abrahams said the probable starters for the RJR Classic include last year's winner CAPTAIN BLIGH, HAPHAZARD, YOUNG FOR ALL, FORGOTTEN HERO, ALEXDIMASTER, PREMIER SOLUTION, CHAMPION MELODY, EMPERADOR, SHAHID, BROADWAY BELLE, RIVER JORDON, EMPERADOR, DR. R.S.F. and PROMINENT who won the Star Trophy back in March.
Meanwhile, today's moderately supported 10-race programme at Caymanas Park features the $260,000 - $220,000 claiming race for the Eric Dias Memorial Cup over the circular nine course.
Only five starters have been declared and from the look of things, victory should go to the May 31 course winner MR. VIGOROUS who has only his old rival ROYAL FLIGHT to fear. Promising apprentice Dane Nelson is down to ride the front running six-year-old horse.
Other firm fancies on the card are MOLTEN LAVA to beat MARVELLOUS MINISTER in the 2nd race, STRAIGHTTOTHEHEART to make all in the 3rd for apprentice riders, VALIANT NATURE in the 5th, DR. R.S.F. to stave off GLORIOUS STAR in the 7th and the straight specialist AWESOME MINISTER to stage stable-companions ZULU PRINCESS and GOINGTOKANSASCITY in the 9th over the straight five course.
