A new beginning, with its expectations, prospects and opportunities, starts on Emancipation Day (August 1) when the ‘babies’ of local horse racing, the two-year-olds, hit the track competitively for the first time this season travelling three furlongs.

The Betting, Gaming & Lotteries Commission (BGLC)/Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA) Juvenile Dash is for native-bred two-year-old maidens who passed through last year’s Yearling Sale (sold or unsold) and also for those horses not participating in the sale. The connections of the latter set (horses not in the sale) will have to pay an entry fee of $75,000 while entry is free for horses who went through the sale.

In addition to the $1.5-million purse (for 10 or more starters) the BGLC is offering, as part of its overall Emancipation Day race day sponsorship, an additional $2 million, payable across the board to owners only. If there are seven to nine runners (purse $1.25 million), the owners’ incentive payment drops to $1.75 million, and if there are six horses or less nominated to run (purse $1.1 million), that incentive payment goes down to $1.5 million. As is the norm in local racing, purses are paid for first to sixth place.

“This is a special year for the country and the BGLC, as the nation celebrates its 60th year of Independence. The BGLC name has become synonymous with Emancipation Day, given our over ten years of sponsoring this race day.

“We take pride in this sponsorship, with the main features being the Emancipation Day Trophy [6 ½ furlongs], the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Trophy [Open Allowance – 5½ furlongs] and, of course, the BGLC)/TOBA Juvenile Dash.

“There is always a buzz in the air when the youngsters race for the first time, and we understand the difficulties and expense faced by especially the owners in getting these horses to race. It is a long and expensive haul, and that is why the BGLC has decided to give the added payment to owners for this race.

“Last year we had a big field, and I am hoping it will be the same this year. Good luck to all entered,” said BGLC Chairman Clovis Metcalfe in an interview with Jamaica Observer‘s The Supreme Racing Guide yesterday.

Last year the BGLC)/TOBA Juvenile Dash was won by the Philip Feanny-trained, 2 Penyu-owned and Oneil Mullings-ridden Prncssshootingstar, with Rupunzel in second place and Phoenix Risen third. There were 12 horses entered in the 2021 edition.