Ready, set, BOOM
It’s again time for the Boom Jamaica Derby.
The Wisynco Group Limited, through their popular energy drink brand Boom, returned as sponsor of the prestigious Jamaica Derby, it was announced at a press conference held at Caymanas Park last Tuesday.
The Blue Riband event — the Boom Jamaica Derby showcases the best native-bred three-year-olds competing over the gruelling distance of 12 furlongs (2,400m) for a purse of $8 million (inclusive of $3 million from the sponsor). The Derby is run in honour of the first chairman of the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC), Sir John Mordecai.
William Mahfood, chairman of the Wisynco Group Limited, even went further in giving his company’s commitment to the Derby for another two years to include the 100th running of the most sought after race in any racing jurisdiction.
“As I think back to our history in the sport of horse racing, I think about the participation of a brand like Boom. Many may not know, but Boom is the number one energy drink in the Caribbean and when you think about the race, the Jamaica Derby, the 98th running in its history, what a tremendous accomplishment for a racing fraternity to build a tremendous race over so many years and have it still continuing.
“We now have an opportunity as sponsors to participate, to bring a lot more people into the sport.We also have an opportunity in partnership with Supreme Ventures Limited and the racing fraternity to help build this race into a regional event.
“So, what am I trying to see is how can we and SVL and the racing fraternity here can bring more people, even outside of Jamaica, to this event. The truth is, this is the premier event in the English-speaking Caribbean.
“We are really excited and looking forward to the race as we will make it exciting as possible, and I am going to tell the team to pull out all the stops as I wantit to be a memorable race day.” Mahfood said.
Mahfood hinted that his company might continue supporting the Jamaica Derby beyond their present three-year deal.
“Next year will be the 99th running but I can promise you I cannot allow the 100th eidition of this race to run without the participation of Boom. I am looking forward to many more years of continued support,” Mahfood pledged.
Peter Green, director of marketing at Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited, was thankful for the support from the Wisynco Group.
“We thank you for your continued commitment to the racing industry on a whole. We recognise that as a company, you have a choice on where you spend your sponsorship dollar, so we are committed to ensuring you that we as promoters of the event provide you with good value for your sponsorship dollar,” Green said.
The Boom Jamaica Derby is the second leg of the Jamaican Triple Crown, which is made up of the Guineas (1000 & 2000), the Derby and the Jamaica St Leger.
Paul Roman of SVREL’s Racing Office then listed the leading horses in the Boom Jamaica Derby.
“The top contenders to face the starter for their destiny in the blue ribband event are the 1000 Guineas heroine Disability Charm; the 2000 Guineas winner Commander Two; Drummer Boy, the Governor’s Cup winner; Fayrouz, the Jamaica Oaks winner; and Marquesas, champion two-year-old from last season.
“Disability Charm and Commander Two are both in search of Triple Crown glory,” Roman said.