PRESIDENT of the United Racehorse Trainers’ Association of Jamaica (URTAJ), Ryan Darby, is offering the view that the Diamond Mile, sponsored by the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission and Supreme Ventures Limited is an initiative welcomed by trainers.

The Diamond Mile for 2018 carries a total purse of US$115,000 (over J$14 million) and the remaining races on the card will have purses of $1 million and over.

“The Diamond Mile Race Day, since it started in 2015, has been one of the best things that has happened to thoroughbred racing. It is the biggest race day in the English-speaking Caribbean and all trainers really look forward to this race day with excitement. The purse increase on the day is very good, so on a financial basis and a prestige basis it is all positives,” Darby offered.

He then stated that once one Diamond Mile is over, plans are afoot immediately for the next running.

“The races on the day, with an increase in purses to $1 million minimum, is well received by the racing fraternity and it was a very good idea to have a race such as this on the calendar,” pointed out Darby.

The URTAJ president strongly believes the Diamond Mile is also an event that will bring more people into the racing industry..

“I know that the Diamond Mile has broken the sales record each time as well as the crowd record. It has generated public interest which can bring into the sport new owners and others who are not aware or interested in racing and so the positive spin-off is that we can get new owners and new interests coming on board,” affirmed Darby.