Racing on the island dates back to 1845 when Barbados was still part of the British Empire. Almost 200 years ago, British officers used to gather at the Garrison Savanah, a short drive from Bridgetown, to race their horses. Later on, they would also run against plantation owners and wealthy merchants who lived on the island. In the 19th century, horses represented a true way of life on the island as they were used for work, play and a gentle commute.
The Barbados horse racing calendar is split into three seasons: January-April, May-September and November-December. For most tourists, this means there’s almost always a race to enjoy while on holiday. Races are most run on Saturdays when both locals and visitors can enjoy a lovely afternoon witnessing horses at their best.
Established in 1905, the | Barbados Turf Club is responsible for the coordination of most races on the island. The club organizes all the famous competitions, including the Barbados Triple Crown, the Coolmore Trophy, and the Victor Chandler Trophy. Another important organization to be mentioned is the Barbados Thoroughbred Breeders' Association; it sponsors five races every year, specially created for Barbadian bred horses.
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