The 2017 1000 and 2,000 Guineas races have now been bolstered by the sponsorship of Supreme Ventures Limited (SVL) through its Cash Pot Mega Ball product. The 1000 and 2000 Guineas are down to be competed for on Saturday, April 8.

The monetary contribution from the new sponsor sees an increase of $250,000 to the purse of each race, moving from $3.25 million to $3.5 million.

Vice-president of marketing at SVL, Jason Hall, made the announcement at a press conference on Tuesday.

“Cash Pot Mega Ball is a perfect fit for the Jamaica 1000 and 2000 Guineas. Cash Pot, as we all know, is Jamaica’s all-time favourite game, and the Mega Ball promotion is SVL’s way of rewarding our loyal players by giving them more opportunities to win.

“Supreme Ventures sponsorship of horse racing over the years is well known, so with the direct involvement of Cash Pot Mega Ball it brings together one of the most popular sports, horse racing, with the most popular game in the country, Cash Pot, a truly dynamic coming together of two classic products,” Hall said.

Racing Secretary Denzil Miller gave an overview of the two races.

“This year’s 1,000 and 2,000 Guineas Classics are set to be extremely competitive and exciting. The fillies’ division presents a competitive group which will include the talented champion two-year-old filly and Thornbird Stakes winner She’s A Maneater, Hotline Stakes winner Runallday, along with Bilingual, Marlene My Love and Money Magnet.

“The colts and gelding division features the overall champion two-year-old of 2016, Sotomayor,’ Fearless Samurai, winner of the Prince Consort Stakes; and Don Chassis, winner of the Sir Howard Stakes. Others expected to face the starter include Dontae, Night Light, and Malachi,” Miller indicated.