Guyana’s Harrow claims historic victory in the Sandy Lane Gold Cup

Mar 03, 2025 Sports

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Kaieteur Sports- The Garrison Savannah was alive with excitement on Saturday evening as the 42nd edition of the prestigious Sandy Lane Gold Cup delivered a thrilling finish, featuring some of the Caribbean and the United States’ most elite jockeys and trainers.

In a stunning debut on horse racing’s grandest Caribbean stage, Guyana made history. Representing the nation for the very first time, the One Guyana Racing Stable’s entry, Harrow, put on a spectacular performance, cementing Guyana’s place in international racing.

The event, widely regarded as the pinnacle of Caribbean horse racing, the Sandy Lane Gold Cup is a title that many horsemen spend a lifetime chasing. Yet, in it’s first-ever appearance, Guyana delivered an unforgettable victory, a testament to the nation’s rising talent and dedication to the sport. The triumph sparked celebrations across the country, marking a defining moment for Guyanese horse racing.

It was Rasheed Hughes aboard Harrow who stole the show, seizing victory in a dramatic finish and securing the coveted 2025 Thoroughbred crown.

Despite a field stacked with top-tier competitors, Hughes rose to the occasion. With sheer determination, he powered Harrow to a historic win, ensuring the Golden Arrowhead flew high over the Barbados Savannah.

Defying the odds against racing legends, the One Guyana Racing Stable arrived with an impressive lineup of talent, led by none other than Saffie Joseph Jr., the current leading trainer in North America. Their mission was clear to announce Guyana’s arrival on the international horse racing scene, and they did just that.

In doing so, they outclassed some of the sport’s biggest names in the business, sharing the track with Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher and four-time Eclipse Award winner Chad Brown.  Pletcher, a U.S. racing icon, boasts two Kentucky Derby wins, four Belmont Stakes victories, and over 5,600 career wins. Brown, a dominant force in American horse racing, has clinched victories in the Breeders’ Cup, Preakness Stakes, and Arlington Million.

Yet, it was the fearless Guyanese contingent that stole the spotlight. Fresh off a Pegasus World Cup victory, Joseph Jr., a Barbados native and Gulfstream Park powerhouse led Harrow and One Guyana Racing Stable to a groundbreaking triumph.

Speaking after the race, One Guyana Racing Stable’s manager expressed deep gratitude for the momentous win. “First off, we thank God for life and for this incredible opportunity. This initiative was about representing our country, and we did it for the love of the sport, for horsemen of all levels, and for the passionate racing fans of Guyana. We promised our people we’d deliver on the biggest stage and we did exactly that. This is not just a win for our stable; this is a victory for all of Guyana. It proves that with the right vision, dedication, and support, we can achieve the extraordinary.”

The victory was the result of meticulous preparation and the expertise of trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. Under his guidance, Harrow showcased remarkable speed and endurance, surging ahead in the final stretch to clinch the historic win.

“I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Saffie Joseph Jr., who personally reached out to me with the incredible horse that made this dream possible,” the manager continued.

“Along the way, we met his outstanding team, including assistant trainer Robert Peirce, who played a crucial role in this journey. We also had the pleasure of working with Mrs. Peirce, the CEO of the race club, and Jim Perry, another vital part of the team. Their dedication was instrumental in securing this victory.”

Reflecting on their experience, the team praised the hospitality and professionalism of the Barbadian racing industry.

“The environment in Barbados has been phenomenal. The racing industry is well-organized, and we were welcomed with open arms every step of the way. Without a strong team, success is impossible, and that’s exactly what Saffie has built—a team of excellence.”

Guyana’s success on such a grand stage is expected to ignite a new wave of enthusiasm for the sport, inspiring young jockeys, trainers, and owners to set their sights on international competition.

“I must also thank my own team—the Guyanese team behind One Guyana Racing Stable. When I made the call, they immediately came together to build this dream team, all for the love of our country. This was a team effort, and together, we have achieved something extraordinary.”

The Guyanese government also played a pivotal role in fostering the sport’s growth. “We extend our gratitude to the Minister of Sport and His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and his government for recognizing the potential of horse racing in Guyana. Their efforts to legalize and elevate the sport to international standards are paving the way for even greater achievements in the future.”

With celebrations continuing across Guyana, One Guyana Racing Stable has no plans of slowing down. “We will seize this momentum and continue our journey to Guyana, Jamaica, and South America as planned. This is just the beginning of something truly special.”

With this historic victory, Guyana has announced itself as a serious competitor on the Caribbean racing stage. The triumph of One Guyana Racing Stable and Harrow will be remembered as a defining moment, one that has laid the foundation for an even brighter future in Guyanese horse racing.

(Guyana’s Harrow claims historic victory in the Sandy Lane Gold Cup)

(Guyana’s Harrow claims)

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• elite jockeys, Garrison Savannah, Sandy Lane Gold Cup, trainers., United States

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