THE GRANDSTAND roof at the Garrison Savannah will be completed in time for the running of the Sandy Lane Gold Cup on March 5.
This assurance has been given by Barbados Turf Club director Pam Marshall.
The roof of the stand sustained heavy damage during the passage of Tropical Storm Tomas last October.
Members of the turf club have realized the need for a structure that is able to withstand any future natural weather events, and Marshall said that work on the grandstand currently underway would be completed in time for the big race day.
She was speaking at Grantley Adams International Airport on Friday after the prestigious Gold Cup arrived in the island aboard a British Airways flight.
The arrival of the Gold Cup signals the beginning of the season leading up to the most highly anticipated racing event in Barbados.
The race day will be preceded by a host of activities, including a display of the Gold Cup itself in Bridgetown, and a grand parade through the downtown area on February 26.
Sandy Lane’s 15th year of sponsorship of the Gold Cup also signals the beginning of a series of events planned to mark the 50th year of the five-diamond resort’s founding, and the tenth year of the reopening of the hotel following a major rebuilding by the current ownership group.
“We are very excited about the fact that this year’s race has attracted a stellar field of horses from both Barbados and well beyond our shores,” said Sandy Lane general manager Robert Logan.
“Over the years I am happy to say that Sandy Lane has contributed more than $2 million in prize money to the Gold Cup.”
Acting Minister of Tourism George Hutson commented that this year’s running of the Cup will be no less spectacular than in previous years.
Following Friday’s airport ceremony, the Gold Cup was transported to the Sandy Lane Hotel where it will be prominently displayed prior to its move to Cave Shepherd in Bridgetown where it will be on public display prior to the race. (PR/HG)