Barbados’ premier horse racing event returns with much fanfare
It was a sight to behold as history was made today when the 2023 Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup ran under lights for the first time at the historic Garrison Savannah.
Since 2019, there had been no running of the prestigious Gold Cup because of the Coronavirus pandemic and therefore the premier horse racing event in Barbados returned with much fanfare as every vantage point at the Garrison Savannah was taken up by all in attendance – from the youngest to the oldest.
As early as 1 pm the crowd began to build, and by 4 pm when the National Anthem played there was hardly any standing room as hundreds of Barbadians and visitors alike came out – as anticipation rose leading up to the Gold Cup race, which commenced at 6:50 pm.
This is the 40th staging of the Gold Cup and a record breaking sixth Gold Cup for champion jockey Jalon Samuels on the horse called ‘It’s a Gamble’. This feat was accomplished in the presence of President Dame Sandra Mason and Prime Minister Mia Mottley who were among several dignitaries present.
Even before the highly anticipated big race, well-known public figure and master of ceremonies McDonald Fingal, dressed in his pink suit and stylish hat, kept the crowd entertained with his comedic touch as he had the crowd fully engaged. Adding to that, those who were not familiar with the names of the horses, jockeys, owners and grooms were kept well informed compliments announcer Lindon Yarde.
There was something for all at the home of horse racing with jumping tents for the children, food and drinks on sale and a massive screen on the infield to view the 10-race card.
As customary before the main event, the parade took centre stage with the inclusion of the Shaggy Bears, stilt walkers and dancers from the Pinelands Creative Workshop and Dancing Africa to name a few, as they performed to the sweet sounds played by the Barbados Police Service band.
And that was just a glimpse of what was to come as Philip 7 and the band Masala were the first to hit the stage, throwing down hits like Ding Dong ‘Happiness’, Lil Rick ‘True Story’ and popular tune by Skinny Fabulous, Machel Montano and Bunji Garlin – Famalay. Also gracing the stage with their presence were singers Rashida and well-known songstress Nikita singing ‘We Found Love’ and ‘Only Girl’ by National Hero Robyn ‘Rihanna’ Fenty.
Baje to the World champion singer Tarique O’Neal-Griffith then paid tribute to Barbados with the famous song called ‘Beautiful Barbados’ by the Merrymen. The talented singer used his voice to captivate the audience and to ring in the most anticipated race of the day as the Garrison Savannah.
As the horses turned for home, supporters began jumping for joy as if they were really in tune with the horses, the owners, the trainers and jockeys as they heatedly discussed who could possibly take the crown. Many called it right when they belted out that Samuels, mounted on ‘It’s a Gamble’, would capture the most coveted trophy in local horse racing history.
Not to mention, the marriage between horse racing and betting lived on as many people took the opportunity to bet and win at the Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup.
It was pure excitement as supporters of Samuels and his horse ‘It’s a Gamble’ ran onto the field for a photo opportunity and greeted the champion jockey with a series of congratulations. Samuel celebrated a well-deserved win, which came when he crossed the finish line to the loud cheers of the crowd, both in the stands and on the infield where the police and the soldiers patrolled to keep the event safe.
During the day, other jockeys and their respective owners had their own photo opportunity and basked in the thrill of winning when they gathered to receive their trophies. The Barbados flag was flown amongst many including Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, the United States of America, Canada, United Kingdom, Cayman Islands, India and China who all participated in the event.
Besides the horses being the show pieces of the day, many came out in their best dressed attire as the tradition of stylish hats, dresses and pants suits continues to live on at perhaps one of the best Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup ever hosted.
