Horse racing returns
Saif Yusoof, Managing Director EFL (3rd from left) handing over the sponsorship cheque to Nisitha Rupasinghe, Treasurer, RTC (3rd from right) for the Governor's Cup 2021, powered by EFL. Other in the picture are (from left) Leroy Ebert, Chief Growth Officer EFL, Sammy Akbar, CEO – Logistic, Ryoto Hahariya, Manager, Expolanka Holdings and Shaban Shuhaib, Event Coordinator, RTC
Creating history in Sri Lankan horse racing, EFL, a leading conglomerate with interests in Logistics, Leisure and Investments and a member of Expolanka Holdings PLC, will partner with Royal Turf Club (RTC) to hold the prestigious Governor’s Cup, the country’s oldest horse racing event.
Synonymous with speed, precision and exclusivity, the partnership made by EFL with RTC will promise a grand race day on April 15 as many entertainment events have been lined up in addition to the five main horse racing events.
The race day will be aptly named ‘RTC Governor’s Cup Powered by EFL’ in which the prestigious Governor’s Cup, Queen’s Cup, Mayor’s Cup and two more races will be showcased. Country’s leading thoroughbred horses owned by the Edwards Stables, Jayaratne Stables, Fearless Stables and Stud Farm, Dynamic Stables and other individual owners will compete fiercely to grab honours at the five races to be held.
Horse racing will join EFL’s fleet of sports they sponsor which are rugby, football and volleyball. EFL is also associated with many other CSR projects which ranges from supporting school sports to biodiversity conservation projects. The partnership entered with EFL will undoubtedly benefit horse racing and its contributors in many ways for years to come, but the main focus of the pairing will be to provide an unforgettable day on April 15 and a memorable Governor’s Cup.
“EFL is happy to partner and support such a prestigious event, not only as the main sponsor but also as an actively involved logistics partner bringing in our expertise to ensure the event runs seamlessly and memorable as planned,” stated Saif Yusoof, the Managing Director of EFL.
The Governor’s Cup 2021 will begin next Thursday at 10.00am. The five races will be categorised from Class 1 to 5 in accordance to the ratings of the thoroughbred horses. ‘Spirited Touch’ owned by the Fearless Stables and Stud Farm is the current title holder of the prestigious Governor’s Cup, which was inaugurated in 1875 by the British rulers in Nuwara Eliya.
“We are glad to have EFL on board as our newest partner at RTC. I’m sure this partnership would grow stronger to the benefit of horse racing and the development of its facilities and individuals. RTC is thankful to EFL for coming forward during a time when the corporate sector is finding it difficult to face the present situation. We are certain of a eventful raceday conducted under health guidelines,” Nisitha Rupasinghe, the RTC Treasurer, stated.
Alcazaba, owned by the Edwards Stables has the best record at the Racecourse in Nuwara Eliya, winning the Governor’s Cup twice consecutively. The Governor’s Cup is the most followed and anticipated horse racing event in Sri Lanka.
The Governor’s Cup will be held under health guidelines and regulations recommended by the higher authorities come Thursday at the Racecourse in Nuwara Eliya.