Thoroughbred Horse Racing in Barbados is staged at the historic Garrison Savannah which is less than two miles outside the capital, Bridgetown.
It has been the home of horse racing since the colonial days of 1845. The officers of the British Regiment who were stationed in Barbados, used what was then the parade ground to match their horses in races and the wealthy merchants and planters later joined them.
The Barbados Turf Club, which regulates and promotes horse racing in Barbados, was established in 1905 and organizes three (3) seasons of racing per year. These meetings run from January to April; May to August and from October to December.
The track is a 6 furlongs oval grass strip and races are run at distances of 5 furlongs (1000 meters), 5½ furlongs (1100 meters), 7.8 furlongs (1570 meters), 9 furlongs (1800 meters), 10 furlongs (2000 meters) and 11 Furlongs (2200 meters), with the horses running in a clockwise (right handed) direction.
The system of handicapping is one which classifies horses from 'A1' to 'G2' class with 'A1' being the highest.
The most important races on the Barbados racing calendar are the Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup (GR.1 INT. - BAR) run on the first Saturday in March each year; the Banks Barbados Guineas (GR.1R-BAR.), the 1st leg of the local Triple Crown, in April; the Pinnacle Feeds Midsummer Creole Classic (GR.1R-BAR.), the 2nd leg of the local Triple Crown, in July, and the United Insurance Barbados Derby (GR.1R-BAR), the 3rd leg of the local Triple Crown in August.
Other major races on the calendar are the Coolmore "Home Of Champions" Trophy (GR.1-BAR), in January and the Victor Chandler Trophy (GR.1-BAR) formerly the Sunset Reef Trophy in December, which are all for the best horses in the country.
The Barbados Thoroughbred Breeders' Association sponsors a series of five (5) races specifically for Barbadian bred horses each year, while the islands leading jewelry establishment Diamonds International Inc., has since 2000 teamed up with the Club to promote a series of five (5) races for West Indian bred 2-year-olds which is the most lucrative and esteemed programme of races for 2-year-old horses in the English speaking Caribbean.
But racing at the Garrison is not only for the race fan and can be a day of family entertainment. Those who want to enjoy the spectacle from the stands can do so, whilst those who prefer an informal picnic atmosphere can lounge in the shade of the tall trees surrounding the track.
Families can enjoy Barbadian dishes like pudding and souse, rice and stew, fried fish and fish cakes. Quenching the thirst is not a problem with drinks ranging from refreshing coconut water to the finest Barbadian rum.
The serious punter has several options for watching the races. They can enjoy the view from the Grandstand, Field Stand, Sir John Chandler Stand or if they are lucky enough to get an invitation, to the luxurious Corporate Boxes overlooking the famous paddock bend.
For more information & photographs please visit the Barbados Turf Club here.
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