Veteran jockey Patrick Husbands has pulled out of Saturday’s Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup, abruptly ending plans for what had been billed as his final ride on home soil.
Husbands had been slated to partner Sir London in the island’s premier horse racing event, but reports indicate he withdrew after becoming dissatisfied with the assignment. The veteran jockey reportedly believed he would instead have been allowed to ride Diving Propos, which had also been brought to the island by the same owners.
The late withdrawal removes one of the biggest names in Caribbean horse racing from the Gold Cup lineup. Husbands has since suggested he may now stage his local farewell at a later date.
Despite the late development, Chief Executive Officer of the Barbados Turf Club Rosette Peirce said preparations for the island’s premier horse racing event remain firmly on track.
Speaking to Barbados TODAY, Peirce acknowledged that Husband’s absence will be felt but stressed that the race itself is expected to remain highly competitive.
“I think a lot of people were anticipating and excited to see and know that Patrick would be having his final ride in the Gold Cup, and naturally his withdrawal is a big disappointment, but it was a personal decision, and we have to respect that,” she said.
“I wouldn’t say that it will throw a complete damper on the whole event, but he will certainly be missed.”
Peirce added that track conditions at the Garrison Savannah remain favourable despite the heavy rain experienced across the island recently.
“The rain that we’ve been having recently was expected; we tend to follow the weather patterns and forecasts, and with that expectation we did not really put any water on the surface, no more than was necessary to add to the fertilizer that we were using,” she shared.
“Therefore the track was quite firm. The rain that we’ve been having really has helped develop the track. It’s actually quite a beautiful track at this stage.”
Peirce noted that the surface is currently rated “good to firm”.
“… So the rain right now is not a major concern unless it continues and it’s heavier than anticipated.”
The Turf Club CEO also suggested that this year’s Gold Cup field is among the most competitive in recent years, which has already sparked heightened interest among punters ahead of race day.
She said: “I believe we’re going to have record numbers this year. The lineup of the horses is such that it is very difficult to set them all apart.
“We’ve got the Springhead Group and Public Sector who have the experience. They’ve been on the track and are accustomed to it. They’ve got top pilots on their back again, experienced with riding in Barbados and who know our track well.
“Then you have what we call the invaders, the international horses who will be out there for the first time, but there are quality animals and therefore we can’t write any of them off. So I don’t see how a punter can outright determine who the winner will be this year, and they will have to spend their money to earn some money.”
Gold Cup day will feature a full slate of races across multiple distances, along with entertainment including a parade and performances by the Edwin Yearwood band.
“That’s the beauty of the Gold Cup,” Peirce told Barbados TODAY.
“We try to cover most of the distances. The only distance I believe that’s not covered on Gold Cup Day is the 1100, but certainly we have all the other distances covered, which adds to variety. Then we have the younger horses running as well, so I think we have a very comprehensive program set for the day.”
