By Orville Clarke, Freelance Writer
Karin Cooper (second left), manager of overseas publications and product improvement of the Gleaner Company, hands over the Star Trophy to CTL's executive manager of marketing, Millicent Lynch, at yesterday's press launch for Star at the Park II Raceday on March 29 at Caymanas Park. Looking on are Richard Ashenheim (left), a director of the Gleaner Company, and CTL's racing secretary, Denzil Miller Jnr. - Rudolph Brown/Staff Photographer
FOLLOWING ITS thrilling climax in last year's inaugural running, Star at the Park Raceday II returns to Caymanas Park with a bang on Saturday, March 29 and what a weekend of racing it promises to be.
Plans for the first renewal were outlined by representatives of the sponsors, the Star and Track & Pools from The Gleaner publications family and the promoters, Caymanas Track Limited (CTL) at a press launch at the Knutsford Court Hotel (formerly Sutton Place Hotel), New Kingston, yesterday.
The race, which last year resulted in a spectacular three-way photo finish involving eventual winner PATAS DE FUEGO, ZEEDON and LSC CHOICE, offers a total purse of $365,000 and will again be contested by overnight allowance horses over the circular nine course (1820 metres).
Speaking on behalf of the sponsors, Karin Cooper, manager overseas publications and product improvement of the Gleaner Company, said The Star had a "ride of a time at Caymanas Park last year" and this prompted a repeat.
"The Star newspaper has increased in popularity and readership during the past year and this has been achieved through the support of many racing fans and loyal Star customers," she disclosed.
"The Star on the Park Raceday is our opportunity to say thank you to our readers as well a unique opportunity to share in and contribute to the experience of horseracing, which brings immeasurable pleasure to so many of us. So this year, we felt that the two-day race meet at Caymanas Park on March 28 (Friday) and 29 would give us more than enough time to reward the racing fans and our Star customers.
"The Star feels right at home at Caymanas Park, because even when we are not having a raceday the Star is rolled up in many back pockets. On March 29, however, we want you to walk with your Star in your hand, especially the Portmore Star - our newest addition to the Star family.
"If you're seen with a Star, you could win free bets and a variety of surprises like binoculars ...
"The activities for the day are geared at entertaining the fans that support the Star, Track & Pools and horseracing in Jamaica, We also want to ensure that our fans are rewarded for contributing to our success. For this, we'll have a surprise guest artiste to bring the curtain down and following on the heels of the Star Awards, you'll have to turn up on March 29 to be entertained.
"I can't stress enough that the raceday won't be complete without your Star because there will be a cash giveaway of $20,000 on the Raceday for a question that we'll be throwing out to the fans. You are only eligible to enter if you have a Star. So don't forget to bring your Star to Caymanas Park on March 29," concluded Mrs. Cooper.
Shortly after, CTL's racing secretary, Denzil Miller Jr., said he envisaged another highly competitive race (the norm in the overnight allowance class) and proceeded to give a rundown of the probable starters.
He said the field is one in which there are horses with tactical speed, stalkers and, of course, the closers such as in-form SIR ROMEL, RAPIDASH and last year's winner PATAS DE FUEGO from the stables of Anthony "Baba" Nunes.
Others expected to take the field are recent winners INSATIABLE and BLACK THATCH, her stable-companions GLORIOUS STAR and YOUNG FOR ALL from the stables of champion trainer Wayne DaCosta, as well as the Nunes-trained pair of MILLENNIUM PRINCESS and EMPERADOR, BROADWAY BELLE, PROCEEDACCORDINGLY, SHAHID and FROMAJACKTOAKING.
Also speaking were 'Hall of Fame' racing inductee Richard Ashenheim in his capacity as a director of the Gleaner Company Limited along with CTL's executive manager of marketing, Millicent Lynch, who disclosed that the popular Kiddies Stables will facilitate scores of children on the day.
Ashenheim said he was happy that The Star was hosting the race again "as many of our readers are true racing fans and we want to have the privilege of showing them our appreciation through a sport we all love.
"I needn't tell you about my exploits in this sport, as racing has long been a passion of mine. CTL has done a splendid job in bringing horseracing to the Corporate world and we are happy to be a part of this leap into mixing business and pleasure".
