Barbados’ longstanding love affair with horseracing was on full display at the Grantley Adams International Airport yesterday, when the Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup arrived on island.

Delivering remarks on behalf of the Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, Permanent Secretary Joy Adamson, hailed the trophy’s significance, calling it “one of the most sought-after horseracing trophies in the world”.

Mrs. Adamson noted that the competition “symbolises not only excellence in horse racing but also the deep-rooted history and passion that Barbados has for this sport and this race now in its 42nd  year”.

She highlighted the commitment of key partners, including British Airways, for ensuring the safe transportation of the trophy.

 “The Government of Barbados extends heartfelt thanks to British Airways for continuing to be a proud partner in this journey, ensuring that the Gold Cup travels safely from London to Barbados “You continue to live up to your motto, ‘To Fly to Serve’,” Mrs. Adamson said.

The Permanent Secretary also commended Sandy Lane for its dedicated sponsorship. “I also want to sing praises to the Sandy Lane brand. Mr. [James] Matthews, your company has stood steadfast with your sponsorship for the last 27 years of the Gold Cup race. As we enter the 28th year of partnership, we look forward to seeing the pink bunting around the historic garrison signifying something exciting is about to happen,” she stated.

Emphasising the broader importance of the horseracing industry, Mrs. Adamson disclosed that Government remains committed to establishing a regional horseracing academy, offering “an opportunity for our young people to gain skills which will enable them to secure jobs in the horseracing sector, not only as jockeys but as trainers and grooms”.

The Permanent Secretary encouraged Barbadians and visitors to come out and be a part of the festivities.

“As we prepare for what promises to be another unforgettable race day, let us celebrate the spirit of competition, the unity that this event brings, and the rich sporting tradition that makes Barbados shine on the international stage.” This year’s Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup will be held on Saturday, March 1. (PR/GIS)

Caption: Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, Joy Adamson, and President of the Barbados Turf Club, Rawle Batson, pose with the Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup at the Grantley Adams International Airport

Article by David Harris

Jonathan Drakes scored century  (108) for Barbados Pride against Jamaica Scorpions on the second day of their round three match in Cricket West Indies (CWI) Four Day Championships at Kensington Oval on Wednesday. The right-handed batsman also scored 117 in the round two match against the West Indies Academy at the same venue last week.

Drakes faced 202 balls and counted nine fours during his 253 minutes stay at the crease, he and Leniko Boucher added 108 runs for the fifth wicket after Barbados collapsed to 62 for four wickets in the session before lunch. 

Starting the day on nine runs for no wickets, in reply to the Scorpions’ score of 231, Openers Kraigg Brathwaite  and Zachary MacCaskie Barbados added a further36 runs before off-spinner Brad Barnes had MacCaskie (11)  caught by Odean Smith at cover in the 17^th over.

In the next over with no addition to the score, part-time medium pacer Jermaine Blackwood bowled Brathwaite for 31 run to leave Barbados wobbling at 45 for two wickets, Kevin Wickham scored seven before he trapped lbw by Barnes, and when Demetrius Richard was dismissed for two Barbados were in deep trouble.

 Drakes and Boucher repaired the damage and took the score to 170, after Boucher was trapped lbw by leg-spinner Tamarie Redwood for 55 off 71 balls including five fours. Drakes and Matthew Forde (26) added 58 vital runs for the sixth wicket. Eventually Barbados were bowled out for 293, Barnes picked up six wickets for 94 runs from 24.4 overs. The Scorpions were 26 for one wicket at the close of play trailing Barbados by 36 runs. 

Article by David Harris

Jamaica Scorpions were bowled out for 231 against Barbados Pride on the opening day in the third-round- match of Cricket West Indies Four-Day championships at Kensington Oval on Wednesday. 

Batting first after Barbados Pride won the toss and opted to field, Scorpions were struggling at 75 for three wickets after losing the early wickets of captain John Campell (16), Kirk McKenzie (19), and Carlos Brown (29). 

Jermaine Blackwood (30) and Javelle Green (27) added 48 runs for the fourth wicket before Green was dismissed with the score at 123. The Scorpions’ collapse continued as Brad Barnes (2), Daniel Beckford (0), and Blackwood were dismissed in rapid succession reducing the score to 138 for seven wickets. 

Odean Smith (50) and Jeavor Royal (43) stitched together a vital 77-run partnership for the eighth wicket, Smith faced 42 balls and counted four sixes and two fours before he was caught at mid-off by Zachary McCaskie off left-arm spinner Joel Warrican. 

Off-spinner Chaim Holder picked up three wickets for 66 runs from 11 expensive overs, the veteran pacer Kemar Roach captured two wickets for 45 runs, Warrican took two wickets for 42 runs, and Kraigg Brathwaite accounted for the last two batsmen with his off-spin. 

  Barbados Pride were nine without loss at the close of play, with both Brathwaite and McCaskie both unbeaten on four.