The Visit Barbados Derby returns this Saturday, marking the 85th running of the prestigious race.
The Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) in collaboration with the Barbados Turf Club announced the much-anticipated return of the event during a recent media briefing. As the third leg of the prestigious Barbados Triple Crown Series, the Derby is both a cultural event and a globally respected benchmark in the world of horse-racing.
This year’s Visit Barbados Derby boasts a purse of $68 000 plus $37 250 in nomination fees, bringing the total prize money to $105 250. The winner takes home $57 888, a 55 per cent share of the purse. Second place earns $24 207, third place gets $14 735, and fourth place receives $8 420.
“The Visit Barbados Derby is an expression of Barbadian pride, culture and hospitality. With world-class racing and vibrant entertainment, this year’s event promises to be the highlight of the season and a beacon for global visitors,” said Manager, Sports, at BTMI, Kamal Springer.
“Horse-racing in Barbados continues to bring tourism to the island. We are happy to have The Visit Barbados Derby be a signature event on the horse-racing calendar moving forward.”
Horsemans’ Liaison Officer at the Barbados Turf Club, Mohammed Mohamad,explained that the Derby is the final chapter of what horse racing fans call the Triple Crown. It is a series of three races, each with its own unique challenge and reputation, culminating in the Derby, the longest race of the three, a true test of speed and stamina.
“To win all three races is to earn the status of immortality in Barbadian horse racing history. Three races. Three distances. Three different strengths tested. To put its difficulty into perspective, the Triple Crown has only been won eight times in eighty-six years, and every year the Derby always proves the hardest race to win. This year, with two different winners of the first two legs, fans will have to wait another year for another chance to see the fabled Triple Crown,” said Mohamad.
This year’s event will be a celebration of Barbados’ culture in addition to the daytime races. The day’s schedule will include eight thrilling races from noon to 5 p.m. with the 85th Visit Barbados Derby as the marquee event. Between races, patrons will be treated to performances from top Barbadian entertainers including Mikey, Nikita, Salt, It’s Jus and Rhea Layne; stilt walkers, drummers and a vibrant BTMI parade that will showcase dozens of costumed dancers themed around Crop Over.
Springer noted that the BTMI team continues to work with international media to promote this event around the world. With their strategic media relations, there will be a massive spotlight on Barbados and the opportunity to highlight it as a premier racing and travel destination, supported by targeted digital advertising and social media storytelling.
“The Visit Barbados Derby is a key initiative in the BTMI’s strategy to position Barbados as a leading sports tourism destination. By aligning with the Crop Over season and targeting high-net-worth travellers, the event is expected to contribute significantly to visitor arrivals and economic activity,” Springer said.
He added: “Next year, we are encouraging our global visitors to plan early to attend both events. The Derby, coupled with Crop Over will be the ultimate cultural and sporting escape. With the growing popularity of sports tourism and cultural festivals, the Visit Barbados Derby is poised to become a key draw on the international events calendar for July 2026. So we encourage you to secure your travel and accommodations early.”
(PR/BT)
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