Noble Intent heads a field of 12 horses listed to contest the Massy United Insurance Derby at the Garrison Savannah on August 9.
Already the winner of two of the three races making up the Triple Crown, Noble Intent could secure a place in history if he is successful in landing the prestigious Derby, the long-standing 75-year-old classic race for creole horses.
During a media conference at the Barbados Turf Club yesterday to officially hand over the Derby silver cup from sponsors to race administrators, chief executive of the Barbados Turf Club, Rosette Pierce said record cash prizes were at stake.
Pierce disclosed that the total purse for the Derby was over $130 000 and the winner will grab a cash prize of $74 000, which will be a record payout for the event.
Noble Intent whipped the opposition in recent months in the Barbados Guineas and the Barbados Midsummer Classic and will have veteran Anderson Trotman aboard, in seeking a triple-crown bonus of $100 000.
Chief executive of sponsors Massy United Insurance, Howard Hall, told the media that this year’s event was also very significant for his company as it marked 30 years of unbroken sponsorship of the Barbados Derby.
“This is a very important occasion for us as sponsors and we are extremely proud to have been associated with the Barbados Derby for so many years and to count ourselves among the longest serving partners of the Barbados Turf Club and horse racing in Barbados,” he said.
In keeping with the recent rebranding of Massy operations in the region, Hall reported that the Barbados Derby will be the first occasion that the new brand will be showcased in such a big way and sponsors were going the extra mile to stage an exciting day, with special moments and memories for patrons, owners, trainers, jockeys and grooms.
“You can say that Derby Day this year will also be a triple crown of celebrations for us, as we celebrate 75 years of the Derby, 30 years of our sponsorship and the company’s new brand,” he said.
Both Sir David Seale, president of the BTC, and Lord Michael Taylor, a BTC director, thanked Massy United Insurance for their sponsorship over the years and for their contribution to racing.
Nine races will be contested on Massy United Insurance Race-day on August 9, with Race No.7 being the feature Barbados Derby classic for West-Indian bred three-year-olds. (PR)
Derby starters list Jasmine, Ninepoint Six-Nine, Aquatic Star, In The Pink, Noble Intent, Joshua, Dance Daddy Dance, John Vere, Kamazetta, Corvette, Voldermort and Lavani. The reserve is Super Lady.
