These exciting heady days of racing in late February and early March are some of the best sporting entertainments offered by our region. The Gold Cup Festival annually attracts some of the most exciting names on the Caribbean racing circuit.

The Barbados Gold Cup thoroughbred horse race began its illustrious history in Barbados in 1982. The status of the event has continued to rise, affirmed by the recent sponsorship of the Sandy Lane Golf Club. The one day event is now surrounded by a wealth of social and cultural activities, known as the Barbados Gold Cup Festival. 

The activities leading up to the race make for a round of busy events with gaily bedecked dancers, brass bands, mounted military parades and gymnasts. Famous Barbadian son Emile Straker of the sixties cultural phenomenon “the Merrymen” has sung ‘Beautiful Barbados’ to crowds attending the pre-race entertainment.

Racing in Barbados continues all year and events are prominently featured in local papers and ad campaigns. Highly publicized and well-attended races include the Barbados Triple Crown for West Indian bred three-year-olds which is a series of championship events comprised of the Banks Barbados Guineas (April); the Pinnacle Feeds Midsummer Creole Classic (July) and the United Insurance Derby (August), and the Diamonds International 2-Year-Old Challenge Series of races for West Indian bred two-year-old horses. This unique series calculates accumulated points at the end of the year and awards are presented in October and December. The Barbados Thoroughbred Breeders Association also runs a series of five races for local horses.

Dress code for the big race days is on a par with major european society events but elegant casual wear is standard for most of the year.

Race days always promise a fabulous time, not to be missed!


For more sporting information, please click here.