Horse Track Cable Beach
Horse Track Cable Beach
The Legacy of Black Bahamian Jockeys at
Hobby Horse Hall racetrack
By: Michael Elijah Muhammad Clare
Cable Beach in Nassau was once the heartbeat of Bahamian horse racing, with Hobby Horse Hall Race Track at its center. Established in 1792 and modernized in the 1930s, the track became a hub of excitement until its closure in 1977.
Beyond glamour and spectacle, it was an arena of opportunity for black Bahamian’s, who worked as owners, trainers, veterinarians, and most notably, jockeys. Families like the Thompsons, Wilsons, Musgroves, Sweetings, Giffiths, Alleynes, Bains, Norths, Saunderses, Armbristers, Munroes, and Godets became synonymous with the track’s golden era.
At the heart of Hobby Horse Hall were the black Bahamian jockeys, whose skill and daring brought the stands to life. Notable figures include:
1. Darious Thompson (c. 30 in 1976) – Known as “Jockey” Thompson, he triumphed in the Bahamian Derby aboard Jengo, thrilling spectators with his precise timing and fearless riding.
2. Gary Bain (c. 25 in the 1970s) – One of the first prominent Bahamian jockeys, Bain’s rides dominated conversation in Nassau and inspired a generation of young riders.
3. Basil North (c. 35 in the 1940s) – A gentleman rider admired for his poise under pressure, competing in elite races with finesse.
4. Bertram Musgrove (c. 40 in 1976) – Nicknamed “Cowboy,” Musgrove became famous for his skillful handling of difficult horses and consistency in high-stakes races.
5. Joe Sweeting (c. 35 in 1976) – A key figure in the winner’s circle, Sweeting collaborated with owners like Stanley Alleyne to achieve multiple victories.
6. Vivian Thompson (c. 40 in 1973) – Known for remarkable consistency, securing high finishes such as second in the 1976 Prime Minister’s Cup and notable wins in earlier years.
7. Johnny Saunders (c. 45 in the 1940s) – Primarily an owner, he occasionally rode, with his signature red-and-white colors representing Bahamian pride.
8. Angela Archer Scott (c. 30 in the 1940s) – A pioneering female rider in ladies’ races, Scott broke barriers with her fearless style, proving women could compete at the highest levels.
9. Jeffory Giffith (c. 35 in 1976) – Both rider and owner, Giffith’s horse Herran Sharon earned Horse of the Year, sparking island-wide celebrations.
10. Stanley Alleyne (c. 45 in 1976) – While primarily an owner, he also rode and trained horses, linking multiple families to the track’s golden era.
11. Carl Armbrister (c. 25–35 in the 1970s) – Began as a jockey before transitioning to training and blacksmithing, showcasing the multifaceted talents that defined Bahamian racing.
12. Cecil Munroe (c. 40–50 mid-20th century) – Connected to racing in Exuma and Nassau, Munroe served as a mentor to younger jockeys, passing down skills that shaped the next generation.
The Godet family also produced multiple brothers who excelled as jockeys, adding layers of familial legacy to the track’s history. These riders, lean, fast, and fearless, urged their mounts to impossible speeds, thrilling spectators and becoming the soul of the sport.
Hobby Horse Hall attracted powerful and glamorous visitors: Governors, Prime Ministers, royalty, and celebrities such as Queen Elizabeth II, Errol Flynn, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Sean Connery, Sidney Poitier, Jackie Kennedy, Aristotle Onassis, Prince Rainier, Princess Grace, and Harry Belafonte. Every race was a spectacle of speed, strategy, and showmanship.
Yet the glory days ended in 1977 amid scandal and neglect, and the track was demolished in 1999 to make way for the Baha Mar resort.
Today, the story of Hobby Horse Hall and its jockeys is a testament to black Bahamian talent, courage, and legacy. These men and women were not just participants, they were the lifeblood of the sport, transforming Cable Beach into a site of triumph, pride, and history.
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