The running of the Jamaica Derby is one of Jamaica’s biggest sporting and social events on the calendar each year. For a true test of speed, stamina, courage and class the best horses in the land will line up for the biggest prize in local racing.

The day also promises, glitz, glamour, fun and frolic as the magnificent species of thoroughbred mount their challenges over the gruelling distance of 2,400 metres or one and one half of a mile.

The 93rd running of the event is set for June 15 at Caymanas Park, the home of the Caribbean Derby, it was announced at a press launch yesterday at the Trainers’ Room in St Catherine. Despite its prestige, it is not an event that has had a regular sponsor over the past couple of years.

However, Caymanas Track Limited (CTL) put up a purse of $9,000,000 for last year 92nd running, but it was announced that CTL in conjunction with Vivobarefoot will sponsor the 93rd running for the sum of $7,000,000 of which Vivobarefoot will contribute $2,000,000.

CTL’s CEO Cedric Stewart made the announcement of the Vivobarefoot Jamaica Derby sponsorship, while secretary of racing Denzil Miller Jnr outlined racing details.

In making the announcement, Stewart said: “We take great pleasure in collaborating with our brand new sponsor in staging the 93rd running of the Vivobarefoot Jamaica Derby with its long Jamaican tradition of excellence and stellar event that epitomises thoroughbred racing in this country.”

Stewart also pointed out that next to the None Such Award and being inducted into the Thoroughbred Hall of Fame, “the Derby represents the highest aspirations in the life of a Thoroughbred”. “It is the dream of every horseman to have a Derby winner under his belt,” Stewart said.

Continuing, Stewart indicated that while the sum for winning the event is $7,000,000, one of the richest purses in local horseracing, the prestige of winning this illustrious race outweighs and outlasts any other consideration associated with the event.

Vivobarefoot Jamaica CEO Jason McKay in his sponsors remark said: “The Jamaica Derby is the second largest sporting event in Jamaica that demands a significant number of patronage. This makes the event a strategic marketing opportunity for Vivobarefoot Jamaica to premiere their product line.”

The Vivobarefoot Jamaica Derby is the highlight of an 11-race card on Derby Day and in his outline Miller said that among the top contenders down to face the starter for their date with destiny, include Jamaica 1000 Guineas (Gr.I) heroine Selectabook, Jamaica 2000 Guineas (Gr.I) hero Williegoldsmith, who are both on the trail for Triple Crown glory, Governor’s Cup (Gr.I) winner Uncle Taf and Jamaica ‘Bigga’ Oaks winner Lady Abhijita.

Others earmarked for participation in the second Classic of the season also include Awesome Code, Bigman In Town, Capesino, Crucial Appeal, Doc Holiday, Go Go Train, Hover Craft, Naturally Evil, Official Report, Perfect Day, Perfect Neighbour, Plum Plum, Rock Union, Rum Punch, Swapped, Technocat and Zacapa.