(5-20-26) The 2026 Independence Cup horse racing event in Guyana will take place on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at the Port Mourant Turf Club (in Berbice).. Hosted by Jumbo Jet Events, the highly anticipated meet will feature an 11-race card with prominent horses like Dataman and Anthem King competing.

In 2026 a total of 11 races will be featured with over GYD $15 million in prizes.

Dataman is Guyana’s most decorated thoroughbred of the 2025-26 season — unbeaten. Won the last Guyana Cup, President’s Cup and Banks DIH Classic in succession. Owned by Slingerz Racing Stables (Javed Ali), trained out of Brazil by Lenio Roberto Vieira. Stable-mate Anthem King is also expected in the feature. All eyes on May 31. Sired by Tapit, he has established himself as the premier heavyweight champion in the country, racing for Master Z Racing Stable and making frequent appearances at major tracks like the Port Mourant and Rising Sun Turf Clubs.

Dataman along with Olympic Kremlin and Anthem King will be featured in this race.

Racing record in the US –

Dataman is a 7 year old gelding and has raced from 2022 to 2025. He was sired by Tapit out of the Maria’s Mon mare Soldata. He was trained by H. Graham Motion and has raced for Wertheimer and Frere, and was bred in Kentucky, United States by Wertheimer et Frere. Dataman has raced at Belmont at Aqueduct, Colonial Downs, Delaware Park, Keeneland, Kentucky Downs, Laurel Park, Monmouth Park, Saratoga, Tampa Bay Downs, Woodbine with wins at Colonial Downs, Delaware Park, Laurel Park, Monmouth Park. His stakes wins include wins in the Cliff Hanger S., Henry S. Clark S., and the 2023 Bald Eagle Derby (LS).

Anthem King is a Kentucky-bred competing on the Guyanese circuit under the Jumbo Jet Racing Stables. He is a consistent, high-profile contender in major feature events like the Independence Cup and the Guyana Cup.

Horse Profile & Origins

  • Pedigree: Sired by Bolt d’Oro out of Valentine Rosie (by Curlin)
  • Foaled: 2021 (Kentucky, USA)

Olympic Kremlin is a Brazilian-bred thoroughbred owned by Guyana’s premier racing stable, Slingerz Racing Stable. Known for his explosive finishing speed, he dominated the Guyanese racing scene by sweeping major titles like the Guyana Cup and President’s Cup, and was named the Horse of the Year. Olympic Kremlin was foaled in Brazil in 2017 and is by Agnes Gold (JPN) out of Sweet Lemonade (USA)

Key Highlights and Racing Record

  • Origins: Bred in Brazil, he was a strong competitor in South America before being imported to Guyana.
  • Recent Activity: He remains a powerhouse on the track. In early 2026, he made headlines participating in highly competitive fixtures like the Banks DIH Classic and the Easter Cup at the Port Mourant Turf Club.
  • Championship Reign: He enjoyed a flawless, unbeaten season in 2024, taking home the Guyana Cup and the President’s Cup.

Around the Islands

Did you know?

Sadie Joseph Jr.

Connection to Guyana Horse Racing

Sadie Joseph Jr. regularly collaborates with One Guyana Racing (and similar Guyanese interests). Key points:

• He has sent accomplished U.S.-based horses to compete in Guyana Cup events and other races at Guyana’s tracks.

• He has been directly involved in training and preparing horses for Guyanese owners, including schooling at starting gates and inspecting runners like Sir London.

• Horses under his guidance (e.g., for One Guyana Racing) have competed in major Caribbean races, such as the Sandy Lane Gold Cup in Barbados.

• Recent activity includes interviews and stable visits featured by Guyana Horse Racing channels (e.g., on YouTube and Facebook).

His involvement helps elevate Caribbean racing by bringing high-level U.S. expertise and horses to Guyana and regional events.

Background

• Third-generation horseman: Born in Barbados in 1987, he followed his grandfather and father (Saffie Sr.) into the sport. He began training young and achieved early success there.

• In 2009 (at age 22), he became the youngest trainer to win the Barbados Triple Crown with his horse Areutalkintome.

• He moved to South Florida around 2011 and has become one of the top trainers at Gulfstream Park, consistently ranking among North America’s elite (multiple graded stakes wins, Breeders’ Cup success, and high earnings).

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