Thoroughbred horse racing in Barbados is a popular sport that has been taking place for over 150 years. The Barbados Turf Club (BTC) organizes three seasons of racing per year, from January to April, May to August, and October to December. These meetings run normally every other Saturday.
The races are held at the Garrison Savannah, a historic racecourse located in Bridgetown, Barbados. The Garrison Savannah is a beautiful oval grass track that is surrounded by lush vegetation. The track is 1 mile and 1/8th in circumference and is considered to be one of the most challenging tracks in the Caribbean.
The BTC organizes a variety of races, including sprints, hurdles, and steeplechases. The most popular race of the year is the Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup, which is a Grade 2 stakes race that is run over 10 furlongs. The Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup is the richest race in the Caribbean and attracts horses from all over the world.
Thoroughbred horse racing is a popular spectator sport in Barbados and attracts thousands of fans every year. The races are a great day out for the whole family and offer a unique opportunity to experience the excitement of horse racing in a beautiful setting.
Here are some of the most popular thoroughbred races in Barbados:
- Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup: This is the most prestigious race in Barbados and is run over 10 furlongs. The race is open to horses aged three and over and is worth over $100,000.
- Midsummer Creole Classic: This is a Grade 3 stakes race that is run over 9 furlongs. The race is open to horses aged three and over and is worth over $50,000.
- Barbados Guineas: This is a Grade 2 stakes race that is run over 7.8 furlongs. The race is open to horses aged three and over and is worth over $40,000.
- Barbados Derby: This is a Grade 1 stakes race that is run over 10 furlongs. The race is open to horses aged three and over and is worth over $60,000.
If you are interested in learning more about thoroughbred horse racing in Barbados, you can visit the Barbados Turf Club website or contact the BTC office.