The Sandy Lane Gold Cup is one of the biggest sporting events of the year. It is considered the most prestigious horse race in the Eastern Caribbean, and attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world. And for good reasons, too. The race day atmosphere has a carnival-like splendor, with countless cultural events and entertainment leading up to the race.

Residents of Barbados love the annual excitement that comes with the Gold Cup, adding it to the endless list of reasons why Barbados is the ideal place to live.

History of the Sandy Lane Gold Cup

Horse racing has been a main event at the Garrison Savannah for over 150 years, making it one of the oldest horse racing tracks in the Americas. In Barbados, horse racing is an essential part of its heritage, dating all the way back to 1845 when the island was part of the British Empire.

Today, The Barbados Turf Club is the island’s central horse racing organization. The organization has spearheaded the Sandy Lane Gold Cup since 1982. Every year, the race takes place on the first Saturday in March. Horses and jockeys from all over the Caribbean and North America come to Barbados to take part in the pomp and ceremony.

This Year's Contenders

The Sandy Lane Gold Cup is a 10-horse race. This year, the ten impressive thoroughbred horses are as follows:

1  Marcus Antonius, representing St. Lucy (Lifetime earnings: $54,560.00)

2  Aristodemus, representing St. Peter (Lifetime earnings: $225,958.00)

3  Sayler’s Creek, representing Christ Church (Lifetime earnings: $0.00)

4  Knight Rider, representing St. Michael (Lifetime earnings: $154,978.00)

5  Sirius Black, representing St. John (Lifetime earnings: $125,001.00)

6  Daunting David, representing St. James (Lifetime earnings: $45,690.00)

7  Giovedi, representing St. George (Lifetime earnings: $92,590.00)

8  Gentleman’s Kitten, representing St. George (Lifetime earnings: $0.00)

9  Just A Fashion, representing St. Philip (Lifetime earnings: $121,555.00)

10 Indiano Jones, representing St. Joseph (Lifetime earnings: $0.00)

These numbers indicated are their post for the gate. For those interested in making bets, pre-race betting will continue from 8:00 am on morning of the race.

Other Race Day Activities

The Sandy Lane Gold Cup offers more than just horse racing, making it a great time to visit and see what Barbados has to offer as a future home. The weekend schedule includes polo matches, Broadway shows, celebrity golf tournaments, street parades through Bridgetown, delicious local foods and activities for every member of the family.

Those living in Barbados are thrilled to have this exciting event happen right in their backyards, year after year. The Sandy Lane Gold Cup and the other festive activities that happen year round make Barbados a wonderful place to live and play.