How many people know, I wonder, that horse racing in Barbados was started on the Garrison Savannah in 1905 and has continued there annually until the present? With its unique six furlong oval track, described as one of the most unusual worldwide, it's no wonder so many renown horsemen visit the island regularly. In fact, champion English trainer Sir Michael Stoute was introduced to horse racing right here, at the Garrison Savannah which was, at one time, home to international champion jockey and traianer, Scvobie Breasley.

In addition, Barbadian jockeys have reigned as champions at individual Canadian tracks over the past decade, among them Patrick Husbands – Woodbine; Quincy Welch, Ricky Walcott and Rico Walcott – Northlands Park; Rico Walcott and Quincy Welch – Assinaboa; Rocco Bowen – Hastings Park and Christopher Griffith – Fort Erie.

Barbados is also home to three parts of the Coolmore Stud’s and one of Europe's most successful racing partnerships in Derek Smith, Michael Tabor and John Magnier. Over the years, the likes of American champion, Todd Pletcher, and Canadian Champion, Mark Casse, have sent horses to race in, and win, the prestigious Sandy Lane Gold Cup GR 1 International.

Ah-h! The Sandy Lane Gold Cup. I can hardly wait for the first Saturday in March to see all of the international horse racing celebrities who attend every year.

Barbados, though small in size, is definitely the place to be in the world of horse racing.