As one of the more socially varied sports, Horse Racing in Barbados attracts folks of all types to watch and to take a chance in betting pools. It all takes place at the Garrison Savannah Racetrack and started in the 1840's. At the Garrison you can bet on a fun day out, for both locals and visitors as you watch the finest in locally bred horses compete alongside International thoroughbreds. Its atmosphere is for those who prefer the formality of the grandstand, or those who prefer the informality and relaxing atmosphere of out on the course, where you can picnic, place a bet, have a beer, drink a rum or just enjoy some coconut water with the traditional delicacies.
At the Garrison Savannah Racing Track you don't have to be a horse racing enthusiast to enjoy a day at the races. There is so much more to do, such as a variety of games and activities on the grounds for both kids and adults, a play park for the kids and for those who just want to relax you can lounge under the tall trees surrounding the track enjoying the beautiful weather.
Prior to the start of each race the horses parade in front of the grandstand and at the end of the race the winning horse and its owners take the traditional parade past the grandstand.
Thoroughbred Horse racing in Barbados is governed by the Barbados Turf Club which was establish in 1905 and organizes three (3) seasons of racing and over twenty (20) race meeting each year.
Horse Racing Season - The meets mostly run every other Saturday
Spring Season: January - April
Summer Season: May - September
Winter Season: November - December
The highlight of the season is the Sandy Lane Gold Cup, sponsored by Sandy Lane Resort Hotel. This is held on the first Saturday in March, and attracts visitors from around the globe.
These events are well publicised in the local media.
Click here for horse racing calendar
The race track at the Garrison Savannah is the island's only race track and is located on the South Coast of the island. It is of a unique oval shape, with a high military and equestrian history, located approximately (2) miles outside of Bridgetown and has been in existence since 1845. During this period the officers of the British Regiment who were stationed in Barbados, used the then parade ground to race their horses, and was later joined by the wealthy, who then used it for any horse related sport.
The race course is six (6) furlongs and races range in distance from five (5) furlongs (1000m) to eleven (11) furlongs (2200m) with the horses running in the clockwise direction which is the opposite of most tracks. The exercise track is dirt / sand and the race track is turf only. The handicap system used is one which classifies horses from A1 - G2 class with 'A' being the highest.
For the Horse Racing enthusiast there are many viewing options for the races; the Grandstand, Sir John Chandler Stand, the Field Stand, the Owners & Trainers Bar, the Corporate Boxes and from the outskirts of the race track or in-field which are no admission.
Some of the more prestigious races on the Barbados racing calendar are the Sandy Lane Gold Cup, the Banks Guineas, the Midsummer Creole Classic, the Barbados Derby and the Stakes & Trophy on Boxing Day.
The Garrison Savannah is used for more than horse racing, you can find many locals and visitors alike taking an early morning or evening jog while trainers exercise their horses, or some Rugby, Football, Cricket and Basketball matches. There's always something going on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
So come and enjoy a day at the races, with lots of music and culture while vacationing on a fun tropical island and relaxing on beautiful beaches.
Types of Bets
Check out other horse related activities in Barbados - Polo, Horseback Riding, and Equestrian Sports.
For more information on specific Horse Racing activities & other events in Barbados, check out our Events Calendar.
CONTACT
Barbados Turf Club
P.O. Box 201
Bridgetown
Tel: (246) 426 3980
Fax: (246) 429 3591
Website: http://www.barbadosturfclub.org