Security service providers Knightsman Ltd and horseracing promoters Caymanas Track Ltd have pooled their resources to stage a gala Independence weekend at Caymanas Park as part of celebrations to mark the 49th anniversary of Jamaica as a politically Independent nation.

In a joint press launch on the front lawn of Caymanas Park on Thursday, details of the extravaganza were announced, which included the disclosure that Knightsman Ltd has undertaken to sponsor the celebrations for the next five years.

This year’s event will begin on Saturday August 6 on the track with a nine-race card headlined by the running of the Knightsman Independence Day Trophy and the Prime Minister’s Stakes (Grade 1).

After the races, the day will be further embellished by the Independence Tun up and Retro Fashion Show. On Sunday the Misty Blue concert on the salubrious in-field, which will feature renowned RB songbird Dorothy Moore, will bring the curtains down on what is expected to be a fabulous day of activities.

Moore’s set will be supported by a host of local artistes, including Karen Smith, Ernest Wilson, Tahj, Nitty Kutchie, among others.

The synergy of horseracing and a top-billing floor entertainment package, is a departure from the norm at Caymanas Park, and CTL’s Camile Buchanan explains the new thrust.

“It allows us to tell the fans what is happening at Caymanas Park and to restore the public interest in racing without which the sport would simply die and thousands of persons would be out of work,” she said.

“We were very pleased when Knightsman accepting our invitation to partner with us on this iconic weekend… not only will the fans be treated to a feast of competitive races, but they will also have a trip down memory lane.

“Fans as well as CTL staff are invited to retro-dress in the sixties fashion for a chance to win a total of $50,000. There will be the Independence Tun up after race festival show featuring many times festival winners Eric ‘Cherry O Baby’ Donaldson, the ‘Hot Hot’ Roy Rayon and Tinga ‘The Singer’ Stewart.

Facilities manager at Knightsman, Philip Campbell, explained his company reason for jumping at the such mouthwatering opportunity.

“We accepted the invitation to sponsor a race day at Caymanas Park because this environment must be an excellent advertising and promotional opportunity for our products and services at Knightsman.

“We also know that Caymanas Park is a great place to spend our advertising dollar, not only because our customers are here, but your communication network, as well as the media coverage enjoyed by racing makes this a tremendous (opportnunity) for exposure. This is truly value for money,” Campbell said.