Reflecting on the Tragedies of the Hobby Horse Hall Race Track

The scandal of starving horses is a forgotten one.

I started a new job in 1975 as the Chief Inspector for the Bahamas Humane Society, located in Nassau. I didn’t know that I would soon be alone, in a derelict horse stable at the famous Hobby Horse Hall Racetrack, waiting for help. I was cradling a grimacing skeletal horse named last Hope on my lap.

I was told before I arrived in the Bahamas that I would be expected to inspect the racetrack’s stables regularly. I foolishly imagined that it would be an operation of a high standard, perhaps on a par with Newmarket in England or Churchill Downs here in the U.S. I was completely wrong, as I arrived at the end of the once iconic and famous Hobby Horse Hall. Hundreds of horses suffered and many of them died horribly. The Government, Racing Commission and Horse Owners Association all knew about the situation but did nothing.

Brief History

In the 1930s, the racetrack was built opposite Cable Beach (where the Baha Mar Resort now stands) and proved to be very popular for almost 40 years. The racetrack had its ups and downs, including a fire that destroyed the majority of the facilities in February 1958. By 1960, a new grandstand was built as well as a parade ring and modern starting gates. The colonial elite mingled there with celebrities like Errol Flynn, and enjoyed steaks, lobsters grilled on charcoal and turtle pie while they watched top jockeys. The press was so excited to write about this colourful social scene, they published photographs of celebrities, fashion, and hats worn on the ladies.