The most popular and prestigious horse race in the Southern Caribbean started in 1982, and was originally known as The Barbados Gold Cup. The named changed to The Sandy Lane Gold Cup in 1997 when Sandy Lane Hotel took over the sponsorship.

Gold Cup Race - Simon Williams

This race day is held every year on the first Saturday in March and starts at 12 noon, and includes nine races in total. Every year a large crowd made up of  locals and visitors to the island gather at the Garrison Savannah for this big day at the races. The only admission for the day is if you are going in the stands.

Police Band - Simon Williams

These prices start at BDS$50, other than that you can go on the infield or around the track where it is FREE! Race day is on March 2nd this year, so come early and get a spot to watch the race. There are plenty of stalls selling food and drinks if you do not want the hassle of taking a cooler.

Parade - Simon Williams

The featured race of the day, The Sandy Lane Gold Cup is a 12 horse race, with entries from around the Caribbean, Canada and USA. The race is 1,800 metres long and runs at 5pm. Before the race, there is the Gold Cup Parade with dancers, The Royal Barbados Police Band and Tuk Band.

Race Gold Cup - Simon Williams

Participating horses are:

Dancin David
Aristodemus
Daga
Apostle
Discreetwon
Erados
Show Me The Money
Zoom
Meteorite
Just Call Me Roger
Giovedi
Kendal Moon
Graeme Hill
Little Man Arran
Modimo

For a list of the different races on this day please see below:

Race 1 — SANDY LANE GOLD CUP

3-YEAR-OLDS & OLDER (WFA) — 1,800 M

Race 2 — SANDY LANE SPA SPRINT
3-YEAR-OLDS & OLDER (WFA) — 1,100 M

Race 3  — THE TANGLEWOOD STAKES & TROPHY
W.I. BRED 4-YEAR-OLDS & OLDER (WFA) — 2,000 M

Race 4 — THE BAJAN BLUE RESTAURANT TROPHY (CONDITION RACE)
W.I BRED 3-YEAR-OLDS (CR)
$1000.00 NOMINATION FEE DUE AT THE TIME OF ENTRY — 1,570M

Race 5 — THE COUNTRY CLUB TROPHY HANDICAP
4-YEAR-OLD & OLDER 75 to 95 (H/C) — 1,570M

Race 6 — THE L’ACAJOU RESTAURANT TROPHY HANDICAP
5-YEAR-OLD & OLDER RATED 47 – 70
(Also open to horses 5-year-old & older rated 46 and below) — 1,100 M

Race 7 — THE TREEHOUSE CLUB TROPHY (CONDITION RACE)
3-YEAR-OLDS: Also open to 4-year-olds rated 45 – 65
(PREFERENCE TO IMPORTED; THEN W.I. BRED 3-Y-O’S)
ALSO OPENED TO 4-YEAR-OLDS RATED 45 to 65 — 1,570M

Race 8 — THE VILLA AT SANDY LANE TROPHY (CONDITION RACE)
WEST INDIAN BRED 3-YEAR-OLD — 1,100 M

Race 9 — THE GREEN MONKEY TROPHY HANDICAP
(4-YEAR-OLD & OLDER MAIDENS) — 1,800 M

 

Photo credit: Simon Williams

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