Orville Clarke, Gleaner Writer

HISTORY will be created at Caymanas Park today with the staging of the first-ever Sunday race meet. The eight-race programme commences at 1:10 p.m.

Since the announcement was first made by Caymanas Track Limited (CTL) chairman Tony Hart on September 16 at a press conference in this the 50th year of Caymanas Park, the Sunday racing issue has taken an unexpected turn in the past week due largely to the outcry and lobbying of the Church.

Last Tuesday it was learnt that the CTL Off-Track Betting parlours, which account for over 70 per cent of the company's take on local racing, will not be allowed to open on a directive from the Cabinet.

The company's Off-Track network islandwide, comprises 62 outlets and their non-participation, coming as it did at the 11th hour, is seen as a setback for CTL in its bid to make a success of Sunday racing.

It's left to be seen whether this landmark meet will make the cut, given the recent developments. But CTL director, Chris Armond is hoping for the best:

"The future of Sunday racing will hinge on the success of the two meets scheduled for this year, and we at CTL are going all out to ensure that we bring in the crowds by promoting it as a family fun day", he explained.

The feature on the eight-race programme, billed as Horsemen's Day, is the Jamaica Racehorse Owners' Association Trophy over 2000 metres.

This has attracted eight starters including the top two, PRIME MINISTER (consistent) and the late kicking 3-y-o colt GO MY ROBIN, who was third to BRUCEONTHELOOSE in the July 11 RJR St. Leger over the distance.

Too strong for rivals

Although having changed stables recently, moving from trainers Stanley Findlay to Wesley Perkins, GO MY ROBIN reports in good condition despite finishing last but one in the recent ADL Superstakes. Prior to that, he was a fast-finishing second to the progressive 3-y-o SPACE FURY in the Royal Dad Trophy over 1820 metres on October 24.

Back among his peers, GO MY ROBIN should prove too strong for rivals with only 49.0kg and competent Jason Simpson aboard.