Big clash to highlight Seek Back-To-School Trophy

Orville Clarke, Gleaner Writer

The fourth running of the Seek Back-To-School Exercise Book Trophy race over 1300 metres at Caymanas on Saturday, August 28, will feature a mouth-watering clash between the unbeaten American colt, DOUBLE THE HONEY, and the crack American filly, RONRON.

This was announced at yesterday's launch of the Seek Back-To-School raceday by representatives of the sponsors, Bruce Baylis, managing director of Book Empire Limited, manu-facturers of Seek Exercise books; and Chris Armond, acting CEO and director of marketing at Caymanas Track Limited (CTL), at the Knustford Court Hotel, New Kingston.

The race offers a whopping purse of $1 million and a new trophy (to be won outright), designed by pioneer exercise book manufacturer, Tony Baylis and Carolyn Schwap.

Armond said this year's renewal should have added significance, with the presence of the two rising stars of local racing.

Armond was quick to add that although the Wayne DaCosta-trained DOUBLE THE HONEY has beaten RONRON on the two occasions they have met early in the season, Gary Subratie's RONRON is a different horse, having won her four subsequent races in impressive fashion.

"Every year at his time we are able to stage a unique raceday at Caymanas Park to the benefit of everyone. Last year, we had a Michael Jackson imitator and this year Tippa and Dancing Diamond (dancers) will be providing the entertainment," said Armond, who added that there will be numerous giveaways of Seek products on the day.

These include 1,500 exercise books to patrons at Caymanas Park, in addition to 1,000 pencils and sharpeners. The giveaways will extended to the 62 Off-Track Betting parlours operated by CTL islandwide.

Supporting jamaica

Baylis said the fraternity of racing "employs thousands of persons and this is the market that supports us".

"I would like to thank everyone who has supported our brand over the years. We offer a product that is made in Jamaica, by Jamaicans, for Jamaicans," he emphasised.

Apart from DOUBLE THE HONEY and RONRON, CTL's racing secretary, Denzil Miller Jr, said other probable starters include BRASH & SASSY, SKITTLE QUEEN, MINISTEROFJUSTICE, PRINCE THEO, MACHISMO, SHANGHAI PASS, FOREVER MINE and COMMANDER ZERO.

Those at the launch were treated to some fancy footwork by dancers Tippa and his tiny companion Dancing Diamond, a seven-year-old girl who danced up a storm.

Raphael Gordon, CTL's deputy chairman, moved the vote of thanks.