Barbados Activities - Horse Racing
The racetrack in Barbados is at the Garrison Savannah which is less than two miles outside the capital Bridgetown. It has been the home of horse racing since the colonial days of 1845. The officers of the British Regiment who were stationed in Barbados, used what was then the parade ground to match their horses in races and the wealthy merchants and planters later joined them.
The Barbados Turf Club, which regulates and promotes horse racing in Barbados, was established in 1905 and organizes three seasons of racing per year. These run from January to April; May to August; and from October to December. The track is a 6 furlong oval grass strip and races are run at distances of 5 - 11 furlongs, with the horses running in a clockwise (right handed) direction.
But racing at the Garrison is not only for the race fan and wagerer, it can be a day of family entertainment as well. Those who want to enjoy the spectacle from the stands can do so, while those who prefer an informal picnic atmosphere can lounge in the shade of the tall trees surrounding the track. There is also a play park for the children and the family can enjoy Barbadian dishes like pudding and souse, rice and stew, fried fish and fish cakes. Quenching your thirst is not a problem with drinks ranging from refreshing coconut water to the finest Barbadian rum. Observers have several options for watching the races. They can enjoy the view from the Grandstand, Field Stand, Sir John Chandler Stand or if they are lucky enough to get an invitation, to the luxurious Corporate Boxes overlooking the famous paddock bend.
The most important races on the Barbados racing calendar is the Sandy Lane Gold Cup run on the first Saturday in March. The Banks Barbados Guineas (1st leg of the local Triple Crown) is in April. The Pinnacle Feeds Midsummer Creole Classic (2nd leg of the local Triple Crown) is in July. The United Insurance Barbados Derby (3rd leg of the local Triple Crown) is in August.
Check the race calendar to see if there are any major races occurring during your stay:
http://www.barbadosturfclub.com/Lists/Racing%20Calendar/calendar.aspx
Admissions are as follow:
Grand Stand: $5.00 (Except Gold Cup Day, Guineas Day, Midsummer Classic Day, Derby Day and Boxing Day.)
Club House: $25.00 (Except Gold Cup Day)
There is a dress code for the Club House and Restaurant are as follows:
MEN: Lounge Suite, Collar shirt with Tie or Shirt Jack Suit. no shorts or open shoes.
WOMEN: Elegantly formal.
Barbados Turf Club
Ms. Jaqueline Wharton - Receptionist
Tel: (246) 426-3980
jwharton@barbadosturfclub.com
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