Nine Horses Nominated for the 2025 Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup
The stage is set for the highly anticipated 2025 Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup, with nine horses officially paying their final nominations for the prestigious event. Among the contenders is Portfolio Company, who will be returning to defend his title after a stellar victory in 2024 for owner Gay Smith and American-based trainer Chad Brown.
Returning Champions
After his Gold Cup triumph last year, Portfolio Company returned to the United States and made just one start, finishing seventh behind his stablemate Smokin’ T in a one-mile and seventy-yard event. Smokin’ T went on to claim victory in that race, while Jerry The Nipper finished second. Both horses have now been nominated for the Barbados Gold Cup, making this year’s competition even more intense.
International Representation
Representing Trinidad & Tobago, The Goddess Nike has thrown her hat into the ring. She previously raced in the U.S., holding a speed rating of 43 before heading to Trinidad, where she competed twice.
For Guyana, the nomination of Harrow brings excitement. Owned by Averin Racing & One Guyana Racing, the Floridian-trained runner is conditioned by Saffie Joseph Jr. and boasts an impressive speed figure of 112, matching that of Smokin’ T.
Meanwhile, Public Sector, also trained by Saffie Joseph Jr., has been nominated for Melrose Racing in Barbados. With a speed rating of 88, he is another strong contender in the field.
The Barbadian Challenge
The home team will be led by Renaisance Frolic, owned by Sir David Seale. Having won his last five starts, including the 2025 Coolmore Stakes, there is speculation about whether he will compete in the Gold Cup or opt for the Spa Sprint instead.
Making a second attempt at Gold Cup glory is Vividly, representing Darwin Clarke Et Al. and trained by Charles Williams. He is keen to improve on his previous performance and put in a strong challenge this year.
Rounding off the nominations is Show The Money, trained by Remel Lovell for Mark Goodridge KC. This combination previously won the Barbados Gold Cup in 2023, and they will be aiming to reclaim their title.
A Thrilling Showdown Ahead
With a strong mix of returning champions, international contenders, and local hopefuls, the 2025 Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup promises to be a thrilling showdown. Racing fans can expect fierce competition as these nine elite horses battle for one of the most coveted titles in Caribbean horse racing.
