The prestigious Gold Cup, the top handicap event on the local calendar, will now carry the name of Hall of Fame and many-time champion trainer Philip Feanny.

Solomon Sharpe, executive chairman of Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL), made the announcement at a press conference held at Caymanas Park on Thursday.

The Philip Feanny Gold Cup is scheduled to run on October 16 and will go over seven furlongs (1,400m).

“Our journey to the Mouttet Mile officially begins with the 49th running of the Gold Cup, an event that holds a special place in the hearts of horse racing fans. I’m very pleased to share that the Gold Cup will be officially renamed in honour of a true legend in the sport, Mr Philip Feanny,” Sharpe said.

Known affectionately as ”The Maestro” of live racing, Feanny is a name synonymous with excellence and achievement in the sport of horse racing. His contributions to the world of horse racing are unparalleled.

Feanny is not only a Jamaica Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame inductee but also the record holder for the most classics won at Caymanas Park. His remarkable career includes conditioning the most Triple Crown winners and, in 1992 to 1993, he held the World Record for the most classic horse races won with jockey Winston Griffiths, OD. Feanny also copped the inaugural Mouttet Mile last year with his charge Excessive Force crossing the post in a thrilling finish

“It is only fitting that we pay tribute to this remarkable man by naming this special event the ‘Philip Feanny Gold Cup.’ As the first race in the journey to the Mouttet Mile, the Philip Feanny Gold Cup promises excitement and anticipation for all racing enthusiasts,” Sharpe further said.

Feanny said that he never expected this honour by SVREL.

“You know that I am a man of few words and this is an honour that I never expected. However, I am appreciative of this honour,” Feanny said.

Sharpe also said that in a relentless pursuit of bringing value to punters and creating more millionaires, his organisation is set to introduce two rebranded Pick 4 bets, pending Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission’s (BGLC) approval.

“The first, known as the Kwik 4, will be the first Pick 4 on a live racing card. With a unit cost of $40 and a minimum guaranteed payout of $250,000, the Kwik 4 promises excitement and opportunity like never before. The Kwik 4 pool will be separate, and carryovers will go to the next available Kwik 4 pool, giving you the chance to strike it big.

“And last but certainly not least, we introduce the Strike 4, the final Pick 4 on a live racing card. With a unit cost of $40 and a minimum guaranteed payout of $500,000, the Strike 4 offers the ultimate thrill for our dedicated punters. Just like the Kwik 4, the Strike 4 also features a single-winner jackpot, ensuring that one fortunate individual could strike it rich,” Sharpe said.

“Since January, our rebranded bets have already produced 52 millionaires. The question now is, how many more can we make in the fourth quarter of this year? We invite you to join us on this exciting journey, to witness the historic Mouttet Mile, to partake in the rebranded Pick 4 bets, and to continue celebrating the legacy of Philip Feanny, OD, and the thrill of horse racing in Jamaica.,” he added.