One of the Caribbean’s most anticipated annual sporting showdowns wrapped up with a thrilling victory for Antigua at the 26th Caribana Barbuda Classic Horse Racing Competition, held at Barbuda’s iconic Coronation Park. In the marquee match-up between the two neighboring islands that served as a centerpiece event for 2026 Caribana celebrations, local favorite Unruly Union delivered a dominant, crowd-pleasing performance to secure the top prize.
Ridden with precision and strategic skill by Antiguan jockey Junior “Ritical” Walters, Unruly Union held off challengers across the track to cross the finish line first. The winning colt is owned by Dr. Baba Thwaites and conditioned for competition by veteran trainer Devon O’Garo, whose preparation paid off in the high-stakes feature race.
Organized annually by the Barbuda Turf Club in partnership with State Insurance Company Limited, this year’s event stretched across seven competitive races and drew a packed crowd of racing enthusiasts and casual spectators alike. For locals and returning visitors, the Caribana Barbuda Classic is far more than a single-day competition: it is one of Barbuda’s most cherished long-standing sporting traditions, drawing crowds year after year to celebrate equestrian talent across the region.
Sunday’s victory for Unruly Union capped off a memorable edition of the race, adding a new exciting chapter to the event’s 26-year history. As has become the norm, the competition once again solidified its status as one of the unmissable highlights of the broader Caribana festival, drawing attention to equestrian sport across the Eastern Caribbean.