Pepsi-Cola Jamaica Bottling Co Ltd will contribute $1 million to the $2 million purse of the 39th running of the Gold Cup (Gr.1) set for December 4 at Caymanas Park.

Carlo Redwood, the company’s marketing manager, made the announcement at a press launch at the Knutsford Court Hotel in Kingston on Tuesday.

Redwood said Pepsi-Cola Jamaica is proud to be partnering with Caymanas Track Limited in presenting the 2010 Pepsi-Gold Cup Race Day. And as the number one carbonated beverage in Jamaica, “Pepsi strives to connect with our Jamaican consumers by enhancing their experiences in music with events such as Pepsi Rebel Salute and in sports competitions like the Pepsi Issa Schoolboy football”.

Redwood said as an addition to thoroughbred racing on and off the track, Pepsi promises to provide fun and excitement for the children “as we present the Pepsi Kiddies Village where children will not only be able to enjoy refreshment courtesy of our fantastic brands”.

Also, there will be rides, games and give-a-ways all day long. “We could not have a Pepsi Race Day without delivering our sensational music experience with the Pepsi-after race Gold Cup party closing trhe afternoos entertainment,” Redwood said.

In outlining details of the race day, racing secretary DenzilMiller said that with the Gold Cup being the most important and prestigious handicap race on the racing calendar, “it brings together the best sprinters and the best stayers over 1,400 metres”.

“With the distance being just a little too long for a sprinter and a little too short for a horse that prefers more real estate, the Pepsi Gold Cup will be extremely competitive as it promises to bring the Caribbean Sprint Champion Saint Cecelia, the imported Mile winner Ronron together in what will be a race filled with speed and excitement as the horses rush for the wire,” Miller noted.

Other horses that are likely to joint Saint Cecelia and Ronron in the sprint/stay showdown are The Guv, Hombre, Heart Of Gold, Minister Of Justice, Prime Minister and the imported Skittle Queen.

Seven of the 10 remaining races will carry the following names complements of Pepsi — Tropical Chase, Gatorate Sprint, Mountain Dew Mile, D&D Dash, 7UP Special, Ting Run and Aqua Dash. Two of the three remaining races will be run in honour of the Jamaica Racehorse Owners Association — Overnight Allowance over 2,000 metres, one for for legendary Andrew HB Aguilar and a native-bred two-year-old maidens race over 1,600 metres.