CAL’S Manufacturing Limited, who last put on the Derby show in 2011, has stepped forward once again to sponsor the 2015 edition of the Jamaica Derby for a purse of $7 million, inclusive of $1.5 million from the sponsor, it was announced at a press conference at Caymanas Park yesterday.

The 95th staging of the Jamaica Derby (Grade One) will showcase the nation’s best native-bred three-year-olds competing over 2,400 metres.

The Derby with the theme ‘Elegance and Prestige’ will be run in honour of the first chairman of the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC), Sir John Mordecai, next week Saturday.

The day will also see jockeys participating in the Cal’s Lucky Whip Jockeys’ Challenge. Jockeys who accumulate the most points on the day will win $40,000 and a whip, second place will get $30,000 and a whip, third place to receive $20,000 and whip, and fourth getting $10,000 and a whip.

Also, there will be an over 40 grooms’ race competing over 100 metres with first place getting $10,000, second $6,000, and third $4,000.

In their bid for fame and glory, six jockeys were yesterday honoured by Cal’s Manufacturing Limited.

Ian Spence and Devon Thomas received a pair of riding boots each for their dedicated service over the years, while young and promising riders Zack Meikle, Kuri Powell, Sadiki Blake and Orayne Sewell each received a pair of breeches (riding pants).

For the first time Cal’s Manufacturing Limited will host a breakfast for all the participants in the Derby on Friday, June 12, at the winning post.

Marketing Manager at Cal’s Manufacturing Limited Sabrina Thomas gave her company’s commitment to horse racing.

“We are a company that believes in promotion and giving back to our customers. Derby Day 2011 will be remembered as Technomoto’s Derby Day and racing fans were treated to fun, excitement and giveaways and we are sure that everyone in attendance was all extremely happy.

“It is against this background that we have returned to the Sport of Kings for this year and have invested over $7.5 million, inclusive of $1.5 million to the purse and over $6 million towards promotion. We are excited to be the sponsors of this prestigious event and we look forward to seeing everyone elegantly dressed on Derby Day,” she said.

Thomas said that her company has put together an activity package for racing fans attending the racetrack on Derby Day.

“Punters will be get the chance to sample Cal’s products, including mackerel, corned beef, and soup, etc. There will the Spin the Wheel game where with just $300 fans will spin for great prizes. The wheels will be located in the grandstand, clubstand and north lounge and three lucky fans, one from each area will be able to win a 32-inch flat screen LED TV,” Thomas explained.

“There will also be a male and female Best Dressed competition with prizes of a Michael Kors watch for the male and an Anne Klein watch for the female,” she added.

Cedric Stewart, chief executive officer (CEO) at Caymanas Track Limited (CTL), welcomed the sponsorship.

“Next to the None Such Awards and being inducted in the Thoroughbred Hall of Fame, the Derby represents the highest aspiration in the life of a thoroughbred. It is the dream of every horseman to have a Derby winner under his or her belt.

“We are proud to welcome Cal’s Manufacturing and host this year’s Derby Day. We expect an exciting one as the field is such an impressive and competitive one,” Stewart said.

Denzil Miller, racing secretary at CTL, gave an overview of the event and encouraged racing fans to come out and enjoy what will be an exciting day of racing.

“The Jamaica Derby is run over the gruelling distance of 2,400 metres or 1.5 miles and is a true test of speed, stamina, courage and class of these beautiful thoroughbreds. It is also the second leg of the Jamaica Triple Crown, which is made up of the Guineas Classics, the Derby and the Jamaica St Leger, which is three weeks after the Derby.

“This prestigious event is expected to be a clash of some very talented horses such as the 1000 Guineas heroine Puddy Pooh and the 2000 Guineas hero, Ali Baba, who are both in search of Triple Crown glory, and Kronus, the Governor’s Cup winner, as well as Seeking My Dream, Poker Star, Southern Cruise and Berranca are also expected to face the starter,” he said.