Press Release from Guyana Cup Committee/Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee
Horse racing in Guyana continues its rapid evolution, and the 2026 Guyana Cup season is set to mark another major milestone with the introduction of a structured, multi-stage nomination system, a format modelled on international racing standards and designed to elevate the sport locally.
The Guyana Cup Committee, in collaboration with the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee (JJTRC), has officially confirmed a four-race nomination series for the Guyana Cup (Mile), Guyana Cup Sprint and Guyana-Bred Derby, signalling a shift toward greater professionalism, transparency and competitiveness.
Over the last five years, horse racing in Guyana has seen unprecedented growth.
Attendance has surged, prize purses have increased, new stables have emerged, and international interest particularly from the Caribbean, South America, and North America has grown steadily.
With this expansion comes a responsibility to raise standards.
“In major racing jurisdictions overseas, entry into elite races is never automatic,” a committee member explained.
“Horses must qualify, prove form, and commit early. That is the direction Guyana racing has been pushing toward for years.”
The new nomination system ensures that only the best-prepared and most competitive horses earn a place in Guyana’s most prestigious races.
Four nomination days, one championship goal
For 2026, horses seeking entry into the Guyana Cup, Sprint or Guyana-Bred Derby must qualify through one of four official nomination races:
- February 1- Port Mourant Turf Club
- April 5- Port Mourant Turf Club
- May 3- Bush Lot United Turf Club
- July 5- Port Mourant Turf Club (Final Nomination Day)
Each nomination day will feature Sprint, Mile and Derby races, allowing horses multiple opportunities to earn qualification.
However, only the first and second place finishers on each nomination day will qualify for the final race in that category.
This means that across four nomination days, a maximum of eight horses can qualify per race through performance ensuring quality control while maintaining excitement throughout the season.
If a horse runs in the Guyana Cup Mile nomination race on February 1 and finishes first or second, it automatically qualifies for the Guyana Cup final.
If that same horse later runs again on April 5 and finishes first or second, the qualification does not duplicate. Instead, the nomination passes to the next eligible finisher, ensuring that opportunities remain open for other competitors.
This approach prevents domination by a single stable and encourages broader participation.
Bonus money keeps competition alive
While only first and second qualify, nomination bonuses are paid to first, second and third place finishers, a key incentive to keep fields strong and competitive.
On February 1 and April 5, promoter-added bonuses apply:
- Guyana Cup (Mile): G$500,000
- Sprint: G$300,000
- Derby: G$200,000
Bonuses are distributed 60% to the winner, 20% to second and 20% to third, ensuring that even horses narrowly missing qualification are rewarded.
On later nomination days, a percentage of nomination fees is redistributed as bonuses, with the remaining funds added directly to Guyana Cup Day purses, strengthening the final events.
Major Incentives: Free Entry and Discounts
To encourage early commitment, the system rewards strong performances early in the season:
Winners on February 1 and April 5 receive 100% FREE entry into the corresponding final race.
Second-place finishers receive 40% (Feb 1) and 20% (Apr 5) discounts.
On May 3, the top three finishers receive a 15% discount. On July 5, the top three receive a 10% discount.
If a horse wins free entry more than once, the benefit passes to the next eligible finisher ensuring fairness.
Security advance adds accountability
Upon qualification, G$100,000 is retained as a security advance toward the final entry fee. This measure, common in overseas racing, ensures that only serious and committed runners occupy limited gate positions.
Refunds are granted only with a JJTRC-recognised veterinary certificate.
Trainer and Jockey bonuses encourage excellence
Recognising that success is a team effort, the 2026 system includes:
- G$500,000 bonus to any trainer qualifying two horses in one race category
- G$500,000 bonus to any jockey qualifying two horses in one race category
These incentives promote professional riding, careful placement, and stable development.
Imported Horses: Quality over quantity
Four gate positions are reserved in the Guyana Cup and Sprint for imported horses, but entry is not automatic. First preference goes to imports with the highest earnings in 2026, subject to a 1% additional entry fee.
If slots remain, highest-class horses imported before July 5 may be considered, subject to a 2% additional fee.
All imports must submit full past performance records and are approved solely at the discretion of the JJTRC.
Raising the bar for Guyana racing
Industry stakeholders agree that this nomination system represents a turning point.
“Guyana racing has grown tremendously in five years; bigger crowds, better horses, larger purses,” one official noted.
“To continue that growth, we must operate like international racing jurisdictions. This system does exactly that.”
By introducing performance-based qualification, structured incentives, and clear governance, the Guyana Cup Committee believes the sport will attract stronger local stables, higher-quality imports, and greater international attention.
The 2026 Guyana Cup season is shaping up to be the most competitive and professionally run in the country’s history.
For horsemen, the message is clear: Prepare early. Perform consistently. Earn your place.
For fans, the result will be deeper fields, better racing, and a championship season worthy of Guyana’s growing reputation on the regional racing stage.
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