Cal’s Manufacturing Limited will not only sponsor the Cal’s Jamaica Derby on Saturday June 25 with a $1.5 million addition to the purse, Cal’s will also add $500,000 to a $180,000 claiming race on the day.

Managing Director of Cal’s, Charlton Watson, believes this innovation in his company’s sponsorship of Derby Day will bring added excitement and buzz for all the stakeholders, inclusive of racing fans.

“The Derby is already taken care of and will receive all the necessary attention it deserves, being the most prestigious and the race everyone wants to win on the calendar.

“After talking to members of staff and racing people, we decided to boost the purse money at the lowest but very important level of racing – the $180,000 claiming rank – so we now have a $1 million, $180, 000 claiming race which we call the 180 Classic.

“Already trainers, owners, in fact all (stakeholders) are commending the effort and some are already claiming horses for this year, which to me is very exciting,” Watson said.

The trainers are in full agreement with Watson.

“This is a very good idea by Cal’s, sponsoring a $180,000 claiming race and pushing the purse to $1 million. This is very good for us, as racing professionals will get to earn more out of the race. This is like another Derby. A $180,000 claiming Derby. McKay Security used to do it, but the race was split into two divisions and the purse money was reduced to $750,000 for each section, so for Cal’s to reintroduce this, I think that it is a great move,” trainer Andrew McDonald said.

Trainer Rowan Mathie was equally supportive.

“Great move by Cal’s. This is a good idea and I think a lot of attention will be drawn to the race.

“Last year’s Diamond Mile Race Day, a $180,000 claiming event was run for $1 million and the race was overflowing with entries.

“Maybe come Derby Day, this race will probably have to be split in two because it is going to draw a lot of entries,” Mathie said

Trainer Neive Graham, who is currently enjoying much success at the claiming level, hailed the initiative by Cal’s.

“This is going to create a lot of buzz and excitement at Caymanas Park on Derby Day. What this move does is to give the lowest level of horses ($180,000 claimers) the opportunity to earn decent money.

“All the trainers, owners, grooms and even the jockeys with horses running in the race will want to win, so the race will be more competitive as well.

“Considering the Derby last year sponsored by Cal’s was one of the best Derby events for its promotional efforts that I have seen at the Park, and with them coming on board and again sponsoring the Derby, I think that it will be bigger and better this year,” Graham said.

Trainer Ryan Darby, known for his many winners in claiming, applauded the effort.

“I would love to be interviewed by the

Complete Racing Guide after I win that race. Well done to Cal’s for sponsoring a $180,000 claiming event and boosting the purse to $1 million. We really appreciate when we get sponsors like that who really help and push the sport of horse racing,” Darby said.