Scores of racing enthusiasts turned up for the HAM Stables Stud Party on Sunday afternoon at the 500-acre stud farm, Port Henderson Road, and the experience was worthwhile.

Among the revellers was the former prime minister of Jamaica, P.J. Patterson.

Once again, the event was put on to mark the official breeding season which commenced on February 14.

In between food and drinks, patrons were treated to a fashion show by models from Faces of Elite, while music was provided by Skyy.

According to Howard Hamilton, who is co-owner of the farm along with Clovis Metcalfe and 14-time champion trainer Philip Feanny, the event was put on for a worthy cause this time, hence the cover charge of $3,500.

Hamilton, the reigning champion owner, explained that it was a fund-raising effort, proceeds of which will go towards the newly-formed Portmore Freemason Lodge.

He disclosed that the temple is being built from the remains of an abandoned building in a designated area of the farm and the consecration will take place on April 26 at McGreggor Square.

Resident stallion

HAM Stables is home to the reigning champion stallion, Royal Minister, and 2006 champion broodmare, Hya.

The farm, champion breeders in 2006, boasts seven resident stallions in Royal Minister, Alisios, Outrigger, Market Rally, Western Classic, Traditional, Deputy's Report and a visiting stallion in Dayton Flyer.

The resident mares include Hya, Midnight Angel, Millford Sound and the 2002 Triple Crown winner Simply Magic. In all, 150 mares (many visiting) utilise the farm each year, while as many as 126 horses were born there in 2007.

This makes HAM the island's largest stud farm in number of horses. However, Orange Valley Estates in Trelawny is the largest in terms of acreage.