Caribbean Choice, a subsidiary of GraceKennedy Group of Companies, has stepped forward for the first time as the main title sponsor of the 77th running of the Jamaica Oaks (Grade One), it was announced at a press conference at Caymanas Park yesterday.

The third jewel in the Classic season, the Caribbean Choice Jamaica Oaks, which boasts a purse of $3 million (inclusive of $800,000 from Caribbean Choice), will be contested over 2,000 metres for native-bred three-year-old fillies only at Caymanas Park this Saturday.

As is customary, the Caribbean Choice-sponsored Jamaica Oaks will be run in honour of the late Hall of Famer Hilma Veira, a former general manager at the Jamaica Racing Commission, who dedicated her talents and skills to the Sport of Kings for more that a quarter of a century.

The day will also be highlighted by the running of the $768,000 Ricochet Cup for maiden and untried native-bred three-year-old fillies going over 1,000 metres round and the 2016 JVM Association World Vet Day Trophy, a Restricted Allowance event for native-bred three-year-old non-winners of two that include imported maiden three-year-olds and upward.

David Reid, brand manager at Caribbean Choice, gave his company’s commitment to horse racing in sponsoring the race day.

“I must first say thank you to Caymanas Track Limited (CTL) for giving us this delightful opportunity in being the title sponsor for the Jamaica Oaks. This is the Sport of Kings and Queens and we have recognised that and so we want to be a part of this venture, so partnering with CTL was never in doubt and we are pleased to be introduced to the racing fraternity,” Reid said.

Also on the day, ATL Automotive Limited will be displaying their lines of vehicles — BMW, AUDI and VW brand to the delight of patrons.

Yannike Rehedul, marketing manager at ATL Automotive Limited, said that her company is pleased to be partnering with CTL for the Jamaica Oaks race day.

“We are proud and happy to be a part of the Jamaica Oaks race day. We are not necessarily big on horse racing but we understand the value of partnership and this partnership with CTL is surely a good one and we are looking forward to a great day of racing,” Rehedul said.

Cedric Stewart, chief executive officer at CTL, welcomed the partnership from Caribbean Choice and ATL Automotive Limited and encouraged racing fans to come out and enjoy what will be an exciting day of racing.

“Saturday, April 30, 2016 is significant, not only for the 77th running of the Jamaica Oaks, but because we will be hosting a new sponsor and brands at Caymanas Park — Caribbean Choice and ATL Automotive Limited with their showcase of vehicles on display. This initiative with GK company and Caribbean Choice; as well as by extension ATL Atomotive, will prove to be quite fruitful and blossom into greater opportunities and strong partnerships to come.

“While the entertainment on the track will be magnificent, we aim to cater to our ladies. As a part of our gift, all ladies in hats will enter free and the first 100 ladies will be presented with a token. So I look forward to your patronage at Caymanas Park, and for another exciting day of thoroughbred racing, I wish to once again thank our sponsors for their generous sponsorship and contribution,” Stewart said.

Denzil Miller, racing secretary at CTL, gave an overview of the event.

“After the season’s first Classic on April 9, it is back to the drawing board for some, and high hopes for others. The race is expected to be filled with intrigue for racing fans as strong competition between the nation’s top native-bred three-year-old fillies is expected, as they will venture over 2,000 metres for the first time while carrying 57kg (126lbs).

“The outstanding filly and Triple Crown contender Nuclear Affair will sport the blue and white colours of her owner Michros. She is expected to get some strong competition from A Thousand Stars, who finished second in the 1,000 Guineas; Sorrentino’s Star, champion Two-Year-Old filly from last season, Fedora, winner of the Hotline Stakes, to name a few,” he noted.