Prestigious Diamond Mile to be reintroduced - SVREL, JRC join forces for 2026 racing season

KINGSTON:

Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL), operators of Caymanas Park, has announced a new partnership with the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC) for the 2026 racing season.

The JRC will make a financial contribution that will go directly toward enhancing race purses, rewarding the commitment of owners, trainers, jockeys, and grooms.

This partnership reflects a shared vision between SVREL and the JRC to foster growth, sustainability, and collaboration within the sport, ensuring a stronger, more unified racing industry for all stakeholders.

"This partnership is a clear signal that the industry is moving in the right direction," said Solomon Sharpe, Executive Chairman of SVREL.

"We're always seeking ways to improve the product, because we understand that all boats will rise with the tide. The JRC's contribution will benefit the industry as a whole. The investment will help strengthen the financial foundation of the sport and stimulate greater participation across all levels of racing."

The first major initiative to emerge from this renewed alignment is the reintroduction of the Diamond Mile.

"The team is excited to reorganise the 2026 racing calendar to welcome back the prestigious Diamond Mile in July," Sharpe added. "Having high calibre thoroughbred races like the Diamond Mile elevates our racing product and brings us closer to establishing Jamaica as the premier racing and entertainment destination in the Caribbean. Stakeholders can stay tuned for the conditions and the exact date in July that will be shared in the coming weeks."

Speaking at the official announcement of the partnership, Derrick Smith, deputy chairman of the JRC expressed his joy at the return of the Diamond Mile.

"As a longstanding owner in the racing business for 50 years, and a previous winner of the Diamond Mile in 2015 and 2016, I'm elated to announce the return of this race. The JRC is pleased to work with the SVREL to bring this race back and we look forward to maintaining an excellent working relationship with the promoters," he said.

"We want to congratulate them for bringing additional excitement to the racing calendar and we hope this is a prelude to even more exciting announcements for the year," added Smith.