Clovis Metcalfe, chairman of both the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission (BGLC) and The Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC), is set to be honoured this Saturday at the races with a cup race named after him for his commitment to the development of horse racing in Jamaica.

The announcement was made during the post position draw for the 96th running of the Jamaica St Leger, the second jewel in the Triple Crown series of races at Caymanas Park on Tuesday. The Futurity race for native-bred three-year-olds will run over 10 furlongs (2,000m) for a purse of $4.5 million this Saturday, July 2.

Metcalfe has been an active contributor to the development of horse racing in Jamaica as an owner and breeder of outstanding horses. He formed a part of the Ham Syndicate in the mid 1970s and in 1991 he then became one of the founding partners of the champion breeding enterprise Ham Stables Limited with Philip Feanny and Harold Morrison.

“It is indeed satisfying that after 50-plus years as an administrator, a breeder, and owner that it is seen fit to name a Cup race after me. I followed in the footsteps of Howard Hamilton who, just a month ago, was accorded such honour and I hope the trend continues.

“In accepting the honour bestowed on me by SVREL, I say thank you, and it is my hope that the trend will continue, and going forward we will see farriers, grooms, jockeys, trainers, owners, outstanding stakeholders, and other individuals that they may be accorded that same honour that I am receiving.

“Too often there is a tendency to honour people after they died and I sincerely hope with what SVREL are doing today that they will continue because I think it is an excellent move and a lot of people have served; lot [of] stakeholders have served so many years in the industry and never been recognised,” Metcalfe said.

In addition to the inaugural running of the Clovis Metcalfe Cup, a race for Open Allowance horses, there will also be two other trophy races that will be added to the programme named after Metcalfe’s favourite fillies — Supa Lei and Midnight Angel.

Meanwhile, 13 horses are declared to face the starter in this year’s Jamaica St Leger Classic sponsored by BetMakers.

Among the entrants are 1000 Guineas winner and the unbeaten Atomica from the stables of Gary Subratie and the Patrick Lynch-trained Blue Vinyl, winner of the 2000 Guineas.

Atomica, who will more than likely start as the favourite, has drawn post five for the two-turn contest, while Blue Vinyl will run from post 12. Both Atomica, who is undefeated in five career starts, and Blue Vinyl are set to meet for the first time.

Noticeable entries, Brinks and Burning Red, from the barn of Ian Parsard are drawn at post one and three, respectively. Winner of the Prince Consort Stakes Emperorofthecats will run from the number four barrier.

“The 1000 and 2000 Guineas certainly exceeded all of our expectations, with the Oakridge Farm Atomica gliding to the finish line in the 1000 Guineas with a 20-length margin and setting a new Stakes record for the event, which was owned by Thornbird back in the 1980s.

“Blue Vinyl had an explosive performance also, and breaking away from fifth place in the final three furlongs turning for home, he secured a 11-length lead at the wire. These two Grade One horses will finally meet this Saturday among a worthy field that cannot be counted out for an upset,” said Denzil Miller, racing secretary.

— Ruddy Allen