Jana Bent (second left), communications and research manager at the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission (BGLC), hands over the BGLC Trophy to Cedric Stewart, CEO of Caymanas Track Limited (CTL), at yesterday's launch of the BGLC annual raceday in the Trainers' Room at Caymanas Park. Looking on are Jack Shirley (left), executive manager of the BGLC, and CTL's racing secretary, Denzil Miller Jr. - Colin Hamilton

In recognition of the 10th anniversary of the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission (BGLC) raceday on Friday, August 1 (Emancipation Day) at Caymanas Park, the regulatory body has increased its contribution to purses from $1.5 million to $2 million this year.

This was announced by Gary Peart, chairman of the BGLC, at yesterday's launch in the Trainers Room at Caymanas Park, attended by representatives of the BGLC, Caymanas Track Limited (CTL) including its chairman Cedric Stewart and the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC), represented by general manager Richard Longmore, as well as the heads of various racing associations.

"My team reports that the working relationship forged last year between the new management teams at both the BGLC and CTL have flourished over the past year to the benefit of our raceday and other future plans," noted Peart.

"We have invited the entire management and staff of the Racing Commission as our guests, as an opportunity for us to strengthen new relationships with our racing partners ahead of our impending merger later this year," disclosed Peart, who was quick to add that both regulatory entities will be housed under one roof at new premises on Hagley Park Road by October.

He went on to explain that the $2 million contribution to purses will be distributed among the nine races, including six special trophy races, several named after our BGLC colleagues who have passed.

The principal feature for the BGLC Trophy for open allowance horses over 1100 metres offers a total purse of $1 million including $500,000 from the sponsor.

Miller said the BGLC Trophy race promises to be a hotly contested sprint with the in-form stable-companions BUBBLING ANGELINE and EL PODEROSO expected to start, along with the consistent TRADITIONAL PRINCE, DOUBLE THE HONEY, EDISON, PRINCE ANDREW, CLASSY PROSPECT, HOVERCRAFT, LADYLIKE, BORDERLINE and recent winner SIR VON.