Looking for a fun way to spend a half-day in Barbados? Head to the historic Garrison Savannah for the popular horse races!
Fun For The Family
A day at the races is a great family activity with the excitement of the races keeping everyone enthralled. Kids will also love exploring the grounds and making new friends.
The general atmosphere is laid-back although the local pundits will be keenly focused on their favourite horses and are always ready to share their opinion of the performance (good or bad) of the horses and jockeys. For a more refined experience head to the Grandstand or Owners and Members’ Lounge.
If you’re planning a day at the races for a large group contact the Hospitality team of the Barbados Turf Club at hospitality@barbadosturfclub.org.
Budget-Friendly
If you’re traveling on a budget, then you’ll love the fact that attending the races in Barbados is free! There is no charge to stand/sit around the track. If you prefer to sit in the Grandstand, there is a fee of US$10 per adult and US$5 per child (12 years and under).
And if you choose to bet on the horses you can actually leave with more money than you arrived with! Betting booths are available throughout the Barbados Turf Club.
A Historic Setting
The Barbados Turf Club is located within a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is part of the Garrison area. In the 18th and 19th centuries the Barbados Garrison was one of the largest in the British colonies. It was first used as a race track by regimental officers whose horses competed against those of wealthy plantation owners.
A self-guided walking tour of the area is a wonderful way to discover the many historic buildings around the track including the Barbados Museum, the Main Guard, and George Washington House.
The Main Guard at the Garrison Savannah
At the heart of the Garrison Savannah is the 50th Anniversary Monument unveiled in 2016 to commemorate the 50th year of Barbados’ independence. The pathway to the monument highlights key moments in Barbados’ history and a large Barbados flag flies over the monument.
See the horses up close
After all the running, the horses deserve a sea bath! On Sunday mornings following the Saturday races, the horses are taken by grooms to the nearby Carlisle Bay for a recuperating swim and soak.
Start planning your day at the races in Barbados at https://www.barbadosturfclub.org/
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