By Orville Clarke, Freelance WriterDOUBLE MAGNUM is the buzz word for two exciting race meets at Caymanas Park on August 9 and 23.
Plans for both days were announced by representatives of Lascelles Wines and Spirits and Caymanas Track Limited (CTL) at yesterday's press launch in the Hospitality Room at Wray & Nephew Limited, Spanish Town Road.
Day one of this unique promotion - Saturday, August 9, will feature the Magnum Tonic Wine Trophy for native bred four-year-olds and up over the circular nine course. This non winners of three race offers a total purse of $370,000.
A fortnight later on Saturday, August 23, the double-barrell promotion continues with the $445,000 Magnum Tonic Wine Sprint for native three-year-olds over 1200 metres, this for non winners of two.
EXCITING PROMOTION
Speaking on behalf of the sponsors, Garfield Lettman, general manager of Lascelles Wines & Spirits, described it as a "very exciting promotion" and his company was happy to be associated with Caymanas Track Limited which, he said, "has the largest captive audience in sport between noon and 6:00 p.m. twice weekly".
Lettman further stated that there would be lots of prizes and give-aways to lucky patrons on each of the two days. He said "the lineup is outstanding and guarantees to give you energy when you need it most".
Lettman went on to explain that the thinking behind the double day sponsorship was an extension of a special promotion throughout the month of August for the Magnum Millionaire competition which has been running since May with regular draws of $5,000 each. This culminates on August 30 with the grand drawing of the Magnum Millionaire, which requires consumers of the tonic wine to spell out the brand name with letters imprinted under the caps. The big winner will become a millionaire.
Also speaking were Andrew Price, executive associate Lascelles Demacardo; Millicent Lynch, CTL's executive manager for marketing, and its racing secretary, Denzil Miller Jr., who provided race day details.
KIDDIES STABLES
Lynch said on both days CTL would facilitate children from the Portmore community at the popular Kiddies Stables. She described the promotion as a "perfect marriage" between CTL and Lascelles Wines and Spirits.
"We have the audience, they have the product," declared the marketing executive. In the end, she thanked the company for past sponsorship like that for the 'Horse of the Year' Awards Dinner at the same time hinting that plans for future sponsorships were being discussed.
TODAY'S RACING
Meanwhile, today's well supported nine-race programme, which kicks off at 2:00 p.m., will be highlighted by the $320,000-$270,000 claiming for the Harry Rigg Memorial Cup over 1400 metres.
This has attracted a maximum field of 16 and with at least seven having good claims, finding the winner won't be easy. By virtue of his close second to JIG YOUNG over a mile on July 5, FRIENDLY EXPRESS could provide the answer.
However, VISIONARY, ARIZONA STAR, GILNOCK and the stable-companions KERMIT and CASTAGNA should ensure he is extended. I also like ZULU PRINCESS (first race), MOLTEN LAVA (second), THE VICE (sixth), JUSTIFIED AWARD (seventh) and GLORIOUS STAR (eighth).
