MISMYRTLEBOYRICHIE with jockey Omar Walker aboard.

CAYMANAS Park will be missing many of its stars on December 3 when local horsemen take on the region on Caribbean Nations Racing Challenge Raceday at Santa Rosa Park in Trinidad and Tobago.

A strong Jamaican contingent, headed by the likes of top American-bred, MISMYRTLEBOYRICHIE, this year's derby winner TECHNOMOTO, 1000 Guineas winner NIPHAL and defending Superstakes champion, MARK MY WORD, will vie in nine races on a US$600,000 10-race card.

Early nominations have a total of 22 Jamaican runners, imported and local bred, going up against horses from the host country and Barbados.

Indications are that the Jamaican contingent could be as many as 24 horses.

Jamaica has a strong presence at the rich meet with horses purchased at the annual Yearling Sale. In addition there are others who formerly raced at Caymanas Park, but now call Trinidad their home, also nominated on the 10-race card.

Among those who now call the twin-island republic home are two-time Trinidadian Horse of the Year and Jamaica 2000 Guineas and St Leger winner, BRUCEONTHELOOSE, as well as this year's 1000 Guineas runner-up, TREASURE GIRL, and the American-bred BURST OF ENERGY.

The two biggest races on the programme are the Imported Stayers Challenge Trophy at 1800 metres and the West Indian Bred Stayers Challenge Trophy, also at 1800 metres. Both races carry purse money of US$100,000.

MISMYRTLE BOYRICHIE and RAISE A RUCKUS have been nominated for the Imported Challenge whereas

TECHNOMOTO, CLASSIC BEAU, ESQUIRE, MARK MY WORD and ODIN are in for the West Indian Bred Challenge.