Colin Hamilton

MARK MY WORD will once again be ridden by Panamanian jockey Dick Cardenas in the Lime Jamaica Derby.

Orville Clarke

STAR Writer

Impressive 2000 Guineas winner MARK MY WORD heads the list of 22 entries received for the LIME Jamaica Derby to be run over 2400 metres at Caymanas Park on Saturday, June 19.

The purse for the Caribbean's number one Derby is a record $9 million, up from $5 million last year.

At yesterday's launch at the Jamaica Pegasus, Wayne Lawrence, vice-president of marketing; LIME, said his company will embark on the sponsorship with a big splash, having put up $3 million for the showpiece event which is the second leg of the Triple Crown series.

CTL's racing secretary, Denzil Miller Jr, disclosed that the number of entries received last Saturday was indeed a record, but only 16 horses are allowed to start.

Those nominated (including some riding plans) are ante-post favourite MARK MY WORK, to again be ridden by Panamanian jockey Dick Cardenas; the 1000 Guineas winner AL FOUZIA (Dane Nelson), the recent Lotto Classic winner LIFEISJUSFORLIVING (Omar Walker), Oaks winner GABIWITZO (Wesley Henry), Lotto Classic runner-up PRINCE ROHAN (Allen Maragh), MARGIN CALL (Shane Ellis), HEARTOFACHAMPION (Joe Buchanan), OVATION (Winston Griffiths), GLOBAL WARMING (Richie Mitchell), ASANTEWA (Trevor Simpson), KRYPTOGRAM, ROLEX, TRAIN TRACKER BOY, TRIAL LAWYER, EXCELLENCE and FLYING MARGARETT.

For this the 90th running of the premier classic, the Sir John Mordecai Derby Trophy, in memory of the first chairman of the Jamaica Racing Commission, will be presented to the winning owner. Sir John's son, Jeffrey, was present at the launch to hand over the magnificent trophy to Lawrence and Chris Armond, acting CEO and marketing director of CTL.

Speaking on behalf of the new sponsors, Lawrence said: "LIME is delighted to open a new and exciting chapter to one of the nation's oldest, much-loved and sought-after events ... It should come as no surprise that we want to make it a celebration that the whole family can enjoy.

"For the first time at the Jamaica Derby, LIME will host a family extravaganza on the infield with rides, games, surprises and entertainment throughout the day. To close the day, we will also have a series of special performances by some top local entertainers (Elephant Man, Chino, Richie Loop).

"As Jamaica's most comprehensive telecommunications provider, the day could not be complete without LIME also providing some incredible deals and promotions to satisfy the needs of any customer."

Also speaking were CTL's deputy chairman Raphael Gordon and Chris Armond, who fittingly declared: "Let's all gather at the people's place to see the people's race, sponsored by the people's phone."

Admission to the infield is $500; children $100.