Wayne Boyd (left), sales coordinator of Impulse Jamaica, along with Lloyd Black (second left), the managing director and also proprietor of Colours Sports Bar, hands over the Impulse Energy Drink Trophy to Senator Arthur Williams (second right) and CTL's general manager Ryan White at yesterday's launch of the three-race series sponsored by Impulse. This was held at Colours Sports Bar, Port Henderson Plaza. - Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer
Impulse energy drink has stepped up to the plate with the sponsorship of three racedays, beginning on Saturday, October 24, at Caymanas Park, with the Impulse Jamaica 3-year-old Sprint over 1300 metres.
Plans for the three-race series were outlined by representatives of Impulse Jamaica and Caymanas Track Limited (CTL) at yesterday's launch inside the Colours Sports Bar, Port Henderson Plaza, Portmore.
Among those present were State Minister for Finance, Senator Arthur Williams; CTL director Chris Armond, who is also chairman of racing's Advisory Council; Lloyd Black, managing director of Impulse Jamaica and proprietor of Colours Sports Bar; Wayne Boyd, sales co-ordinator of Impulse; and Ryan White, general manager of CTL.
Denzil Miller Jr, CTL's racing secretary, said the sponsorship is worth $450,000 and, from his perspective, the series promises three high-energy, fun-filled racedays.
The first race in the series on October 24 is confined to native-bred three-year-olds (non-winners of two) with a purse of $850,000, while the second, on Saturday, November 21, the Impulse Energy Mile for native and imported three-year-olds (non-winners of three lifetime), also offers $850,000.
After-race party
The series will culminate on Saturday, December 13, with the running of the Impulse Energy Drink Cup for native bred four-year-old non-winners of three races (other than) over 1200 metres, for a purse of $650,000. This will be followed by an after-race party.
Boyd, giving the sponsors' remarks, said he was pleased to announce the beginning of a partnership which could be long-term and mutually beneficial.
"One may ask, why horse racing? As a fairly new company, it is very important that our association starts with dealing with people of integrity and people who understand the importance of ensuring that sponsors get value for their scarce resources.
"Horse racing, with its enormous popularity in Jamaica, provides Impulse energy drink with a wide fan base to market its products," said Boyd, who was quick to add that Impulse energy drink carries three flavours - Impulse Extreme, Impulse Zero and Impulse Energy Drink Regular.
Senator Arthur Williams said he thought it important to "drop in to signal that you have my support and the support of the Government.
"The Government is committed to taking the steps necessary to improve the racing industry and the racing product," he reiterated.
He congratulated Black, a former national youth cricketer, for his association with sports in the Portmore area over the years (cricket, domino, skittles), which has now extended to horse racing.