Sherone Simpson - file

The 68th running of the Jamaica Oaks will held at Caymanas Park on Saturday and will see possibly the best sixteen three-year-old fillies in the land, all competing for the $2.5m purse money.

Saturday's gruelling 2000 metres challenge will be conducted to honour the memory of the late Mrs. Hilma Veira, former general manager of the Jamaica Racing Commission and a lady whose contribution to the development of thoroughbred racing in Jamaica embodied excellence.

Caymanas Track Limited (CTL) will again allow ladies free entry to the club and grandstand and also open the popular Kiddies Stables to the patron's children and those of the surrounding communities.

Amid the fanfare of the popular hat parade, the traditional ladies day celebration will on the occasion, be used to recognise a group of ladies whose contribution to their chosen sport, embodies excellence.

CTL will present awards to fourteen ladies representing ten different disciplines. They have been selected for their contribution as athletics, coaching and sporting administrators who have either performed excellently or have given extraordinary services over the years.

The awardees are: Sandra Reittie (table tennis), Juliet Cuthbert (track and field), Sherone Simpson (track and field), Carole Beckford (volleyball), Myrtle Weir (hockey), Dr. Michelle Holt (hockey), Vivalyn Latty-Scott (women's cricket), Oberon Pitterson (basketball and netball), Sharon Donaldson (netball), Margaret Beckford (netball), Jackie Walter (swimming), Julette Parkes (track and field), Vilma McDonald (cricket), Elaine Walker-Brown (women's football).