The Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee (JJTRC) has officially released details of five of the most featured races on the card for the 18th running of the Guyana Cup, scheduled for August 23, 2026, confirming yet another significant purse increase across the marquee events.
The announcement underscores the continued upward trajectory of horse racing in Guyana, as the Guyana Cup steadily gains international recognition across the Caribbean, South America and beyond.
The organisers have reiterated that the long-term vision is to increase purses annually, with the ultimate goal of aligning the Guyana Cup with major North American racing events, while already matching regional standards.
“This is a deliberate and strategic investment in the future of the sport,” an official close to the planning process noted.
“Every year the bar is raised, not just financially, but professionally.”
Five feature races and purse breakdown
- Guyana Cup (Open– One Mile)
Total Purse: G$22,000,000
First Prize: G$12,000,000
Estimated Entrance Fee: G$1,320,000
The flagship event remains the most lucrative race in Guyana’s history.
When combined with nomination incentives where some horses may earn 100% entrance fee waivers, a qualifying horse that goes on to win the Guyana Cup could effectively realise winnings in excess of G$13,000,000, making it one of the most rewarding races in the region.
- Guyana Cup Sprint
Total Purse: G$7,500,000
First Prize: G$4,000,000
Estimated Entrance Fee: G$440,000
The Sprint continues to attract top-class speed horses and international attention, serving as a vital showcase of raw pace and tactical brilliance.
- Imported Derby
Total Purse: G$7,500,000
First Prize: G$4,000,000
Estimated Entrance Fee: G$440,000
This race remains a cornerstone for imported talent, providing elite competition and a benchmark for local horses to measure themselves against proven international bloodlines.
- Locally Bred Derby
Total Purse: G$5,625,000
First Prize: G$3,000,000
Estimated Entrance Fee: G$330,000
The locally bred division continues to grow in stature, reflecting steady improvements in breeding quality, training standards, and race management.
- Imported Two-Year-Old Fillies Race
Total Purse: G$3,750,000
First Prize: G$2,000,000
Estimated Entrance Fee: G$220,000
One of the most notable changes from last year is the transition from an open imported Two-Year-Old race to a fillies-only event. Organisers believe this strategic move will play a critical role in strengthening Guyana’s breeding future.
Building the future through fillies and breeding
By attracting top-class, well-bred imported fillies, the organisers envision these horses eventually becoming broodmares, laying the foundation for stronger local bloodlines.
This initiative complements Guyana’s already impressive line-up of stallions along the coast, while addressing a long-standing gap, the need for quality broodmare stock.
“Our ultimate goal is that the biggest purses like the Guyana Cup and the Sprint are won by locally bred horses,” an organiser explained.
“But to get there, we must first raise competition levels, improve breeding depth, and give our horses the ability to travel and compete in West Indian bred races in Barbados and Jamaica.”
The ripple effects of this vision extend far beyond the racetrack.
A stronger breeding industry would create hundreds of direct jobs in breeding farms, stables, transport, and veterinary services.
Support thousands of indirect jobs across agriculture, logistics, tourism, and hospitality will position Guyana as a regional hub for Thoroughbred development.
Industry leaders believe that sustained investment, paired with structured nomination systems and international standards, will unlock long-term economic benefits for the country.
With record purses, refined race structures, and a clear development roadmap, the 18th Guyana Cup signals more than just another race day, it represents a maturing industry with global aspirations.
And as organisers boldly hinted, the future may hold even bigger transformations, perhaps one day seeing the prestigious Guyana Cup contested as an open fillies feature, further redefining Caribbean racing history.
(Press Release)
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