Orville Clarke, Freelance Writer
Shelly-Ann Weeks (left), group marketing manager, Cash Plus Limited, presents the sponsorship cheque for the 2007 MegaFone Superstakes to Millicent Lynch, executive marketing manager, Caymanas Track Limited, during Thursday's launch of the November 10 MegaFone Superstakes Day at Acropolis Gaming Lounge, Barbican.- Peta-Gaye Clachar/Staff Photographer
The rich and prestigious Superstakes to be run at Caymanas Park on Saturday, November 10, has a new sponsor, MegaFone.
Plans for the MegaFone Super Weekend of Racing, beginning on Friday, November 9, with a Masquerade Party at Morgan's Harbour and culminating on Sunday, November 11, with the (Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA) Yearling Sale in the parade ring at Caymanas Park, were outlined by representatives of the sponsors and Caymanas Track Limited (CTL) at Thursday's launch inside the Acropolis Gaming Lounge, Barbican.
In her address, Shelly-Ann Weeks, group marketing manager of Cash Plus Group, said her company has contributed $3 million to purses for each of the next three years, including $1.5 million to the Superstakes.
"As the new kid on the block, we wanted to come out with something that will cement us in the minds of the die-hard racing fan and bring some new fans to the sport," said Weeks, who added that entertainment at the track will be provided by Tony Rebel, Richie Spice and Cherine Anderson, among others.
According to CTL's racing secretary, Denzil Miller Jr., the 29th running of the MegaFone Superstakes (Invitational) for three-year-olds and up over 2000 metres, offers a total purse of $4.5 million, its highest ever.
Describing the race as "the most exciting two minutes of sport in Jamaica", Miller said the Superstakes will feature a big clash between previous winners MIRACLE MAN and DISTINCTLY IRISH, both of whom have dominated the last three renewals of the race.
bidding for third consecutive win
The Allan 'Billy' Williams-trained MIRACLE MAN will be bidding to win the race for the third consecutive year, while DISTINCTLY IRISH from the stables of 14-time champion trainer Philip Feanny, won it in 2004 and was runner-up to MIRACLE MAN in 2005 and 2006.
Completing the list of 12 invitees are this year's Digicel Derby winner, THE BOMBER, fellow three-year-old RUM TALK, winner of the St. Leger and Governor General's Stakes over the Superstakes distance earlier this season, as well as this year's Lotto Classic (Governor's Cup) winner IL CAIMANO, the 2006 Lotto Classic and St. Leger winner ALLIEDFORCE, vastly improved MAJOR MAYER, along with recent winner NATURAL DESIRE, GOOD COMPANY, TOBAGO, PECKUS OUT and UNLEADED.
MIRACLE MAN will again be ridden by Florida-based Jamaica jockey Allen Maragh for popular owner Joseph 'Fudgie' Duany, and DISTINCTLY IRISH by leading all-time jockey Winston Griffiths for the reigning champion owner, Howard Hamilton.
Hamilton also owns the hot ante-post favourite for the $2 million MegaFone Caribbean Sprint, MUSICAL MAESTRO, from the stables of Dwight Chen. The classy five-year-old gelding is among 15 invitees, other notables including last year's winner RAMPAGE, MEDICAL REPORT, NASATOL and the unbeaten three-year-old filly OUTSTANDING.
The other major sponsored race is the $1.5-million MegaFone Mile for imported horses.
Among the 14 invitees are PURE MUD, EXPLOSIVE PEAK, ALPHA LUPA, FIRST IN THE SAND and PASSA PASSA.
The remaining eight races on the card will also benefit from sponsorship by MegaFone, while the infield tent for specially invited guests and the popular Kiddies Stables will be activated on the day. Also speaking was CTL's executive manager for marketing, Millicent Lynch.
