Gold Cup IS HERE!

The level of anticipation for the 2017 edition of the premier horse race in the Caribbean was raised yesterday as the Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup was flown into the island.

Arriving a bit earlier than the expected 3:15 p.m. on British Airways Flight 2155, the 18-carat gold-plated trophy was received by officials representing Sandy Lane, the Barbados Turf Club and the Government.

With British Airways Captain Andrew Green handing over the coveted cup on the tarmac to Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, Stephen Lashley; Sandy Lane General Manager Randall Wilkie; and Barbados Turf Club Director Rawle Batson, the official countdown to the 36th running of one of the most prestigious races in the region has begun.

In a media briefing following the arrival of the trophy, Minister Lashley explained that yesterday’s event marked the beginning of the buzz which would consume Barbadians of all walks of life for the next few weeks until the big race day.

“Each year this ritual acts as a signal to horse racing fans that the main event is not too far away. The discussions and the arguments which ensue as to which horse will win the Sandy Lane Cup take on serious proportions, and continue until the race is actually concluded. This speaks to how strongly Barbadians, whether lovers of horse racing or not, identify with this important race,” Lashley said.

With March the 4th set aside for the event, Lashley also stated that over the years, the race had become near and dear to the hearts of locals and visitors alike, and had also garnered a wide audience that saw eyes from all over the world focusing on Barbados.

“The Sandy Lane Gold Cup is not just a horse race, but has grown into one of the biggest sporting events in Barbados, attracting attention from around the world. Apart from Barbadians and visitors who throng the Garrison on Race Day, it is estimated that the eyes of some 300 million viewers across North America and the United Kingdom are glued to their television sets taking in all the excitement that emanates from the picturesque grounds that form part of Barbados’ World Heritage Site, Bridgetown and its Historic Garrison,” he said.

With Sandy Lane carrying the mantle for the past 21 years, General Manager Wilkie explained that as is customary, locals and visitors will have the opportunity to get up close and personal
with the cup as it will be on display.

“As is the tradition, over the next two weeks, Barbadians and visitors will have the chance to see the Cup on display at Cave Shepherd in Bridgetown, as we get ready for the excitement of the race day,” he said.

With his company picking up after Cockspur in 1997, Wilkie also highlighted the importance of corporate entities lending assistance to the island.

“I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank the owners of Sandy Lane for their continued commitment and investment which extends far beyond this event to support tourism and the economy in Barbados. We believe it is the collaborative role of all of us to promote Barbados, as well as the island’s sporting events, especially in these challenging times,” Wilkie said.
(MP)