Sandy Lane Gold Cup trophy arrives in Barbados

The Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup trophy has landed in Barbados.

The trophy arrived at Grantley Adams International Airport earlier today aboard British Airways and was received by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sport and Community Empowerment, Joy Adamson, along with officials from the Barbados Turf Club and representatives from Sandy Lane.

Speaking at the airport, Adamson expressed pride in welcoming back “one of the most coveted symbols of sporting excellence in the Caribbean”.

She thanked British Airways for the safe delivery of the trophy.

“You have been the trusted custodians of the gold standard of Caribbean racing… we thank you for the safe passage of the trophy from London to our shores today,” she said.

Adamson also paid tribute to Barbadian racing legend Patrick Husbands, who will compete in his final Gold Cup this year.

“We really want the Barbadian public to come out and witness his final historic ride,” she added.

Sandy Lane General Manager James Matthews highlighted the hotel’s 28-year sponsorship of the event.

“What began as a bold endeavour to spotlight Barbados on the international racing stage has flourished into a marquee event admired across the Caribbean and far beyond,” he said, noting that the 2026 race promised a thrilling field of local and international competitors.

President of the Barbados Turf Club, Kevin Burke, confirmed that the 2026 race would feature several horses racing in Barbados for the first time, including entrants from the Ken Ramsey stable and the defending champion from Guyana.

He also announced an increase in prize money to $170 000, describing the event as “one of our best Gold Cups in quite some time”.

The Trophy was personally transported by Captain Paula Alsopp of British Airways.

“British Airways is the longest serving carrier connecting the Caribbean with the United Kingdom and it means a great deal to continue the tradition of delivering this prestigious cup which travelled with us in the cockpit today”, he remarked.

The Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup, now in its 43rd year, remains one of the island’s most celebrated sporting events, drawing thousands of spectators to experience top-tier horse racing and the island’s enduring racing heritage.

The 2026 race is scheduled for Saturday, March 7.  (AM)

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