LAST Saturday’s renewal of the seven-furlong Gold Cup is a historical reminder that, over its existence, no other race has generated more talking points over the last 50 years. Conceptually, the distance was thoughtfully chosen to allow for the possibility of out-and-out sprinters or middle-distance performers, more suited to longer trips, having realistic chances of winning.

Finding a sponsor for this genuine handicap race for A1 class horses was important, and the Cigarette Company of Jamaica stepped in to fulfil the requirement with a guarantee of funding for the first three years. The branding of the Benson & Hedges Gold Cup was established in 1967.

The first four years of the Gold Cup were extraordinary, with England-bred Kilowatt (GB), ridden by Cleveland Suckie, winning the inaugural staging, repeating the feat in 1968, being an injured late non-starter in 1969, and winning again in 1970. This record immortalised trainer Valbert Marlowe, the father of current practitioner Michael.

Incidentally, for various reasons, there was no staging in 1986, 89, 97,98, 99, 2018, and 2020. Monday Morning, a Triple Crown winner in 1987, achieved the extraordinary feat of winning the Gold Cup in the same year. US-bred Monte’s Stitch (USA) won with 140 lbs in 1982. I’m Satisfied was successful with 128 lbs in 2001 and 2002, Eros with 126 lbs in 1994 and 1995, whilst Saint Cecelia also won with the maximum 126 lbs in 2011 and 2012.

In terms of personalities, Philip Feanny has now accumulated 10 liens on the trophy, including three as a part owner, and lately Rideallday’s (USA) week-old 2026 triumph. Wayne DaCosta has six successes, including one as part owner of Clockwork with Winston Kong in 2005. The following champion trainers have won the Gold Cup: Michael Silvera, Arthur Sharpe, Allan E “Billy” Williams, Nigel Nunes, Philip Feanny, Kenneth Mattis, Wayne DaCosta and Jason DaCosta.

Remarkably, owner the late Joseph “Joe Fudgeburt” Duany won with Let’s Go Dancing 2000, I’m Satisfied in 2001 and 2002, as well as Hercomesfudgie in 2003, all conditioned by Feanny. Other owners fortunate to make more than one trip to the Gold Cup winners’ enclosure include Kilowatt’s Carl Fornaris & Neville East. Winston Kong had two with Ahwhofah in 2008-09. W P Valentine Chung & S Chung were gifted by Saint Cecelia in 2011-12.

Three riders have won more than twice, and they are Cleveland Suckie and Omar Walker with three each, and Winston Griffiths with six. The following champion jockeys have ridden Gold Cup winners: George Hosang, Charles Hussey, Winston Griffiths, Trevor Simpson, Andrew Ramgeet, Wesley Henry, Dane Nelson, Omar Walker, Dick Cardenas, Shane Ellis, Dane Dawkins, Reyan Lewis and Raddesh Roman.

Other races have generated interest, but not to the degree that the Gold Cup has done for half a century. In the Pan American region, horse racing has lost significant ground to other sports offering opportunities for gaming because the racing product is delivered in a complicated claiming system format, which, by its very nature, cannot grow the customer base.

Women, who make up half the region’s population and earn income commensurately, have little or no interest in playing horses. Whereas elsewhere in the world, female interest is improving exponentially, with easily comprehensible handicap systems as the model. Truth be told, thoroughbred racing this side of the Atlantic faces an existential threat with no expansion of the market possible. Meanwhile, going forward, the rest of the world can be reasonably optimistic about the prospects.

The sports gaming industry is estimated at US$450 billion. The promoters of horse racing this side of the Atlantic, generally and specifically in the United States and Canada, are losing ground as their breeding industry has been in freefall since 1990. There is now a scramble to downsize and make other adjustments even to the US Triple Crown series.

In Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago, new and more investment is needed but is not happening at any rate that can engender optimism. I will be doing my usual data-based analysis of the state of play in 2026 to date. Watch this space as solutions are accessible, but the knowledge deficit gap is getting wider.

Contact: wesmartin@horseracing.com