Night racing begins at Garrison Savannah

Night racing at the Garrison Savannah is now official.

The inaugural David Seale Racing event began Saturday with Prime Minister Mia Mottley and Sir David speaking during the opening ceremony. It ended with both of them switching on the lights at the savannah for the first time.

During her featured address, the Prime Minister said though COVID-19 had placed several restrictions on events and projects being held on the island, the pandemic should not be seen as a burden, but as a situation in which Barbadians will overcome.

“COVID-19 is not an excuse, but in fact an inspiration to do what we do better and more. I say so conscious of the fact that I have asked all of us in this nation to use this opportunity to reflect and to improve all that we do. On the 2nd of January this year, I appealed to all of us to aspire and to work towards being world class by 2027. We did not know the pandemic would come upon us, but we as a nation have not allowed the pandemic to dumb us down, or stop us in our tracks. Rather to think about what we can do and do it better,” she said.

Mottley also said, that the horse industry on the island not only places Barbados on the map in terms of international appeal, but locals of all ages have supported the industry since its inception.

“This industry, employs more than 2,500 Barbadians, this industry has produced men from the likes of Jonathon Jones, and in more recent times of international repute, Patrick Husbands. This industry will continue to produce persons like Sir Michael Stoute who have brought international acclaim to this nation,” she stressed.

The first race of the night was won by ‘De Conkie Man’ and ridden by Delano Lopez. (SB)