The Barbados Turf Club, which regulates and promotes horse racing in Barbados, was established in 1905 and organizes three seasons of racing per year; approximately 25 race meetings, from January to April (Spring Season), May to September (Summer Season) and November to December (Winter Season).
The Garrison Savannah has been the home of horse racing in Barbados since 1843, when the officers of the British Regiment used what was then the parade ground, to match their horses in races against the wealthy merchants and planters of the time. The track is a 6 furlongs oval grass strip and races are run at distances of 5 furlongs (1000 meters); 5½ furlongs (1100 meters); 7.8 furlongs (1570 meters); 9 furlongs (1800 meters) and 10 furlongs (2000 meters), with the horses running in a clockwise (right handed) direction.
Racing at the Garrison is not only for the race fan but can also be a day of family entertainment. Those who want to enjoy the spectacle from the stands can do so, whilst others who prefer an informal picnic atmosphere can lounge in the shade of the trees surrounding the track. The whole family can enjoy Barbadian dishes like pudding and souse, rice and stew, fried fish and fish cakes. Quenching the thirst is not a problem with drinks ranging from refreshing coconut water and icy cold beer to the finest Barbadian rum.