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Horse racing is hot to trot in Barbados which is home to one of the oldest race tracks in the Americas - The Garrison Savannah.
Horse racing in Barbados dates back as far as 1845 when Barbados was part of the British empire. Today horse races is organised by The Barbados Turf Club and many races take place throughout the year at which race enthusiasts can witness horses at their best and history in the making.
If you don't know that much about the horses you will be treated to an electric atmosphere, good food and a flutter if you wish to indulge.
The most important races on the Barbados racing calendar are:
The Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup
The Barbados Gold Cup is a thoroughbred horse race run annually on the first Saturday in March each year since 1982. This is the most popular horse race in the Southern Caribbean with spectators coming from all over the world. Contested over a turf course at a distance of 1,800 metres, this race is open to horses, age three or older.
The large crowd are treated to top quality races - from horses that are owned by the world's leading investors in thoroughbred racing. There is delectable food to be tasted, live music to be heard, and a Gold Cup Parade to be witnessed. This is a great day out for all - there is something there for all the family.
The Barbados Triple Crown
» The Banks Barbados Guineas is the 1st leg of the local Triple Crown, and occurs in April.
» The Pinnacle Feeds Midsummer Creole Classic (GR.1R-BAR.) is the 2nd leg of the local Triple Crown, in July, and
» The United Insurance Barbados Derby (GR.1R-BAR) is 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 5 races specifically for Barbadian bred horses each year, while the island's leading jewellery establishment Diamonds International Inc., has since 2000 teamed up with the Club to promote a series of 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, it 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.
Horse racing location: Garrison Savannah
Thoroughbred Horse Racing in Barbados is staged at the historic Garrison Savannah which is less than 2 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 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.
Barbados Turf Club
The Barbados Turf Club regulates and promotes horse racing in Barbados, and was established in 1905. It organizes 3 seasons of racing per year. It holds meetings from January to April; May to August and from October to December.
Horses are handicapped according to talent. The system of handicapping is one which classifies horses from 'A1' to 'G2' class with 'A1' being the highest.
The Barbados Gold Cup 2011
Gold Cup fever is in the air!
The Barbados Gold Cup 2011 will be taking place at the Garisson Savanna on March 5th 2011. 7 jockeys from the Caribbean, United States and Britain will be competing against local jockeys for the Sandy Lane Gold Cup.
Local hero Patrick Husbands will be taking part again - riding high on past victories such as his 8 time Canadian Sovereign Award. Patrick won the cup when he was 16 and was born to be a champion.
Other top riders include Englishman Phillip Makin, Irishman Jamie Spencer, and Englishman Darryl Holland - just to name a few.
The crowd promises to be large and running on adrenalin as the colourful skills of top jockeys are displayed. One of the newer Jockeys to take part in the Sandy Lane gold Cup is Jalon Samuel who is only 17. He proudly holds the title of 'Champion Jockey of Barbados' and is a strong contender.
Jono Jones has won the Sandy Lane Gold Cup 4 times - this Bajan jockey started his career 20 years ago.
The atmosphere will be electric with spectators flying in from all over the world as well as local Bajans to witness this historic event.
Spectators can enjoy the Gold Cup Parade, local food delicacies, and live bands & entertainment.
Race Calendar 2011
Saturday March 5th, 2011
Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Club Day
Saturday March 19, 2011
(available for sponsorship)
Saturday April 2nd, 2011
Michael Parravicino Memorial Hopeful Stakes Trophy & Realtors Limited Trophy
Saturday April 16th, 2011
Barbados Guineas Race Day (available for sponsorship)
May, 2011
Ocala Breeders Sales Company Trophy
June, 2011
Barbados Fillies Guineas Val Gale Cup
July, 2011
Barbados Mid Summer Creole Classic
August, 2011
United Insurance Barbados Derby Queens Plate BTBA Sprints Stakes & Trophy
September, 2011
Kathleen Taylor Memorial
October, 2011
No racing
November, 2011
BTBA Classic & Juvenile Championship and W.C. Bill Marshall DFC SCM Memorial 2 Year Old Creole Classic
December, 2011
Diamonds International & Mont Blanc Challenge Series Over 3 Weekends Victor Chandler Stakes & Trophy.
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