Courage & Honour zips past the finish line in the feature race of the Pre-Valentine's Horse Races at Ellis Thomas Downs in Sea Cows Bay on Sunday, February 2, 2020. Photo: Andre S. Dawson aka 'Shadow'

Courage & Honour, with jockey Nick Goodman, won the feature race of the Pre-Valentine's Horse Races at Ellis Thomas Downs in Sea Cows Bay on Sunday, February 2, 2020. Photo: Andre S. Dawson aka 'Shadow'

Uncle Mace of Top Priority Racing Stables, right, romped to victory in 125.4 in a race over 6 ½ furlongs for Class D Horses that have never won in their last 3 starts. The race was also the first for the day at Ellis Thomas Downs on February 2, 2020. Photo: Andre S. Dawson aka ‘Shadow’

Uncle Mace of Top Priority Racing Stables in the winner’s circle. Photo: Andre S. Dawson aka ‘Shadow’

Holy Giacomo of Thomasville Racing Stables, second from left, galloped to victory in the one mile open race for mares and fillies. Photo: Andre S. Dawson aka ‘Shadow’

Holy Giacomo of Thomasville Racing Stables. Photo: Andre S. Dawson aka ‘Shadow’

The third showdown of the day, a one-mile for mares and fillies, brought victory for female jockey Cindy Soto on Flashing Cat (centre). Photo: Andre S. Dawson aka ‘Shadow’

Winning female jockey Cindy Soto, left, is interviewed by Andre Dawson aka ‘Shadow’ after taking victory on Flashing Cat in a one-mile race for mares and fillies. Photo: Photo: Andre S. Dawson aka ‘Shadow’

Flashing Cat and jockey Cindy Soto in the winner’s circle. Photo: Andre S. Dawson aka ‘Shadow’

From left: Jordan’s Salsa, Formal talent and race winner My Running Mate in the 1 mile for Class C & D Horses. Photo: Andre S. Dawson aka ‘Shadow’

My Running Mate of The Brothers Stable took victory in 148 flat in the 1 mile for Class C & D Horses. Photo: Andre S. Dawson aka ‘Shadow’

In the penultimate race of the day, a one-mile showdown for Class B Horses, Chovanes of The Boys Racing Stables on Tortola, blazed to victory in 145.1. The winning Jockey was Christian Santiago. Photo: Andre S. Dawson aka ‘Shadow’

Jockey Nick Goodman had the honour of winning the first and the last race of the day at the Pre-Valentine's Horse Races at Ellis Thomas Downs in Sea Cows Bay on February 2, 2020. Goodman first won with Uncle Mace of Top Priority Racing Stables and then with Courage & Honour in the feature race. Photo: Andre S. Dawson aka ‘Shadow’

Ridden by Nick Goodman, Courage & Honour of Top Priority Stables completed the 1/16 Mile Open Race for Class A and B Horses in 152.4 and claimed the top purse of $10,500.

Second was another local horse, Salsa Jack while third was Barrabas Key of St Thomas, US Virgin Islands.

Barrabas Key was first out of the gate and held the lead for most of the race, with Courage & Honour going with the pace and Salsa Jack a length behind.

Coming off the backstraight for the final time; however, Courage & Honour made its move and so did Salsa Jack. In the homestraight, Barrabas Key faded on the inside while Salsa Jack moved into second but Courage & Honour was not to be caught.

The feature race was dedicated to centenarian and former horse owner, Mr William I. Rhymer, and sponsored by Minister for Transportation, Works and Utilities, Honourable Kye M. Rymer (R5); Junior Minister for Tourism, Honourable Sharie B. deCastro (AL) and Second District Representative, Hon Melvin M. Turnbull.

Uncle Mace

The opening race of the day brought early celebration for local horse racing fans as Uncle Mace of Top Priority Racing Stables, owned by Lesmore Smith, romped to victory in 125.4 in a race over 6 ½ furlongs for Class D Horses that have never won in their last 3 starts.

Uncle Mace was steered to victory by Nick Goodman.

God’s Greatness of A’s Stables in St Thomas took second while third was debut horse Baby George of Top Priority Racing Stables.

My Running Mate

With the second race of the day on the card completely scratched due to lack of horses, the next race was a 1 mile for Class C & D Horses, which was an all St Thomas' affair.

My Running Mate of The Brothers Stable took victory in 148 flat. The winning jockey was Christian Santiago.

Second was Jordan’s Salsa of Iron Hammer Racing Stables while third was Formal talent of No Limit Racing Stables.

Cindy Soto wins on Flashing Cat

The third showdown of the day, a one-mile for mares and fillies, brought victory for female jockey Cindy Soto on Flashing Cat.

Soto and Flashing Cat of No Limit Racing Stables crossed the finish line ahead of Moon Light Bandit owned by Dion Stevens.

Gottca Blessing of the Brothers Stable of St Thomas did not finish the race.

Holy Giacomo

Home fans than had much to cheer about when local horse, Holy Giacomo of Thomasville Racing Stables galloped to victory in the one mile open race for mares and fillies.

Ridden by Carlos Quinones, Holy Giacomo ran to glory in 147.3.

Second was Special Counsel of The Boys Racing Stables, third Mariealena of Top Priority Racing Stables and fourth Neverenuff D’Oro of St Thomas.

Chovanes

In the penultimate race of the day, a one-mile showdown for Class B Horses, Chovanes of The Boys Racing Stables on Tortola, blazed to victory in 145.1.

The winning Jockey was Christian Santiago.

Second was Sal Jet out of St Thomas and third was One Way To Fame of Missionhouse Racing Stables.

That race, which fetched a purse of $7000, was sponsored by Skelton Development in memory of the late Ira Oliver Skelton.

The entire horse racing event was dedicated to Mr William I. Rymer, described as a traditional horseman.

9 USVI horses made the journey to Tortola

Only nine horses from the US Virgin Islands participated.

The last five races on the card were scheduled to be run since Boxing Day but rain forced a stoppage after only two races on the day. The remaining races were rescheduled for January 19, 2020 but that too was called off due to inclement weather forecast and other issues.