Panama's most prestigious horse race, the " President of the Republic Classic", will be staged at the Presidente Remón Stadium on Sunday, June 3.

The 79th running will be backed by a full card of races, and supporting ceremonies with all the pomp and circumstance you expect to find at the "sport of kings".

The event is something more than a race, it is an event that can be enjoyed by all the family.

National artists will provide entertainment, and there is a children's play area, plus the opportunity between the third and fith races, to ride on the ponies used to lead the competing thoroughbreds to the starting gates.

The Turff lounges will be providing a special buffet menu, so if you plan to attend, you should reserve early. Food prices at the track are a bargain and if you can't make the Turff rooms, food is available at other counters.

Among the horses competing, will be last year's winnner from the U.S., Excellent Shine, which was ridden by Angel Rivas, but will have another jockey this year.

The race is not only the top of the racing calendar, but also the longest race of the year. When it was first introduced in 1923 at the Juan Franco track, it was run over 2,400 meters. It is now over 2,600 meters.

La Victoire, an Argentinian mount ridden by Emilio Teran, won the first "Classic" in 1923. The last Classic held there was in 1956. Surameno won the first at the present stadium in 1957.

The biggest purse was in 1995, $200,000 with $86,000 added. It was won by U.S. horse Jed Forest. The three previous years the race had been won by horses carrying the colors of Isaac Tawachi.

He still holds the record for the most wins in the Classic (six) followed by Antonio Anguizola, who has stood with his horse in the winner's enclosure four times. Andres Farruga is the trainer with the most wins (seven).

There is no charge for admission, or for pony rides. Valet parking costs $5.

The events kick off at 1:00 p.m.

The track is located in Via Jose Agustin Arango, in Juan Díaz.

Between races 3 and 5, children can ride free on the ponies used to lead horses to the starting gate.