Its festive time again in Nuwara Eliya and the sporting events are set to be ablaze with the much looked forward and prestigious horse race event organized by the Sri Lanka Turf Club (SLTC) under the leadership of the president Gamini Jayaratne scheduled to take place on April 14.
The horse racing track in Nuwara Eliya also known as little England will get into action on this day with the holding of the prestigious Governor’s Cup which in fact is the main event scheduled from the horse racing meets planned during the season.The nine furlong Governor’s Cup event this year is sponsored by DFCC Vardhana Bank who have come forward to sponsor and lend their hand on a big scale. This year’s Governor’s Cup will be an interesting one as back to back winner in 2008 and 2009 Double Eagle aiming to make a hat-trick of wins.
If Double Eagle succeeds in his endeavor he will equal the record set by Sandy’s Queen who did it in 1996. However according to the entries received so far he will not find it easy to achieve the goal with horses in the caliber of Sulanga and Red Key Point who won the Independence Cup this year.
The day’s proceedings will be enlightened by the participation of over 45 thoroughbreds of excellent bloodline ridden by local and Indian riders, the experts say that a day of thrills and spills is definitely there on the cards for the day.
Apart from the main event the day’s proceedings will also see the jockeys battle out for the Mobitel Cup sponsored by Mobitel, Mackwoods Labukelle Cup sponsored by Agalawatte Plantations Ltd, Sumathi Cup sponsored by Sumathi Group, Sporting Times Trophy sponsored by E.W. Balasuriya & Co, Lemonade Trophy sponsored by CCS and Mannaperuma Cup sponsored Mannaperuma Traders.
The organizers will be presenting handsome prizes to the Best Filly (Ladies), Best Stallion (Gents)n and Best Hat (Ladies) which will be held in international style.
A fashion show sponsored by Mrs. Shanika Soza and conducted by Zsaid Image’s will also be a special feature on the Governor’s Cup day. For the benefit of the spectators for the first time a giant screen monitored by four cameras covering every inch of the races will be available which is sponsored by Premadasa Riding School.
The Nuwara Eliya horse racing festival will feature two other important events which will be the Sunquick Cup sponsored by Scan Industries due to be held on April 17 and the ten furlong Queen’s Cup sponsored by George Stuarts & Co scheduled to be held on April 24. |
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