The event is run under the auspices of the Barbados Turf Club, whose history dates back about a century. Thoroughbred racing itself was introduced to Barbados in 1845 when the island was a British Colony.
TVG will provide live, on-site coverage of the Sandy Lane Gold Cup from Garrison Savannah, just outside Bridgetown, Barbados, this Saturday.Post time for the top Caribbean turf race, which carries a purse of $200,000 Barbadian dollars (approx. $100,000 U.S.) is scheduled for 4:40 p.m. (ET).On hand in Barbados to describe the action will be TVG's Caton Breder and Jeff Lifson. The race, to be simulcast on Fox Sports Net 2, is presented by the Barbados Tourism Authority.In addition to the telecast, TVG will offer interactive wagering on the race for subscribers through Phoenix's Turf Paradise. The Sandy Lane Gold Cup will be listed as the fourth race on Turf Paradise's Saturday card."We are committed to bringing our viewers the best horseracing from around the world, and the Sandy Lane Gold Cup fits into that category," said Tony Allevato, TVG executive producer and vice president. "Besides, at this time of the year, we can all use a getaway to an exotic tropical island, even if it's only via TV."Contested at a distance of 1 1/8-miles, the Sandy Lane Gold Cup is a weight-for-age race for horses age three-and-up. Now in its 23rd year, it traditionally features the best Caribbean-based horses in training, with some shippers sprinkled in. Pre-entered this year are 14 horses, including the Bobby Frankel-trained Thady Quill, and three Canadian horses from Todd Pletcher's stable. The other possible starters are nine horses from Barbados and one from nearby Trinidad and Tobago.