Information is swirling around the race course that there will be no major changes to the set programme of races on Superstakes Day which is scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 9.

Talk before had suggested that changes were in the making, but after a series of consultations among some of the major stakeholders, it was decided that the race day would remain largely the same. Although racing officials declined to provide confirmation, the Complete Racing Guide has been informed that the only change only affect the Superstakes Sprint race over six furlongs, moving that event from its usual weight for age condition where older horses allow younger horses weight, with the obligatory weight adjustments made for fillies and mares. Now it is anticipated that the Superstakes Sprint will for the first time be a handicap race.

Earlier the Complete Racing Guide had reported that there was a strong lobby for the Superstakes itself and the Sprint to be open to participation by foreign-bred horses, thereby bucking the trend of over 20 years when these races were confined to local-bred horses. If that suggestion had been approved, the ever popular Mile event for foreign horses only would have been taken off the programme.

Supporters of the change to have foreign horses in the Superstakes and Sprint races felt such a move was necessary to raise the level of competition which in turn would increase the take at the tote, thereby assisting the promoting company Caymanas Track Limited to earn more. Those who were not supportive spoke of the tradition that had developed and the need to have at least one day in the year to showcase local horses – an exercise which serves as an inducement to local breeders.