THE SANDY LANE GOLD CUP
Hosted by the Barbados Turf Club, The Sandy Lane Gold Cup is one of Barbados' most popular sporting events. This prestigious, thoroughbred horse race is well favoured in the Eastern Caribbean and boasts a large international following. Spectators from across the island and the world come to watch local, regional and international jockeys and horses compete for the cup. Since 1982, the year of its inception, this event has been held annually at the beginning of March. Originally, the Gold Cup was sponsored by Cockspur Rum and as such, many would have known it as the Cockspur Gold Cup. In 1997, it became the Sandy Lane Gold Cup when Sandy Lane Hotel took over sponsorship of the event. The race is open to horses age three or older and the atmosphere is almost carnival-like, featuring a host of pre-race entertainment, including a parade and music and a variety of vendors. It is truly a festive event for the entire family, as it is frequented by persons both young and old.
Sandy Land Gold Cup Festival events include:
Below is the list of Gold Cup winners since the inception of the event: