The 39th edition of Barbados’ Sandy Lane Gold Cup will be held on Saturday 7 March 2020.

The event has been running since 1982 and is one of the most prestigious fixtures in the Eastern Caribbean horse racing calendar. It attracts leading horse trainers and jockeys from all over the region and the world.

Last year, Celestial Storm beat nine other horses over the 1,800 metres or 8.95 furlongs turf course, to claim the coveted trophy.

The five-year-old mare had previously won the 2018 Sandy Lane Spa Sprint, and it was the first time a horse had won the spa and then gone on to win the Gold Cup the next year.

Celestial Storm was ridden by 22-year-old jockey Rasheed Hughes and trained by Roger Parravacino, who were both first time winners of the event.

The Gold Cup takes place at the Garrison Savannah racecourse, the home of horse racing in Barbados since 1845.

It is the headline event on a thrilling race day card, which runs from noon until 6pm, and features 10 other contests. Before the main race there are also all kinds of family-based activities to enjoy including:

– Polo matches.

– Fashion shows.

– Celebrity golf tournaments.

– Marching band and dancers.

– A street parade through Bridgetown.

– A fish fry.

You don’t want to miss one of the most exciting sporting activities on the island. See you at the races!