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Horse racing returning to STT with record $115K purse; VI racing stalled

Horse Racing will be returning to the USVI with a record $115,000 purse meanwhile, challenges with the race track in the Virgin Islands persist at the detriment of sport in the territory. Photo: Internet Source/File
The last time there was a race day on Tortola was on August Tuesday, 2022, but since then, the major portion of the lands have been in dispute over increased market value payment requested between one landowner, the Thomas family, and the government of the VI. Photo: VINO/File
The last time there was a race day on Tortola was on August Tuesday, 2022, but since then, the major portion of the lands have been in dispute over increased market value payment requested between one landowner, the Thomas family, and the government of the VI. Photo: VINO/File
Meanwhile, as horse racing continues to be held up in the VI, Legislator Myron V. Walwyn (R6) had accused Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) of lacking the skills necessary to negotiate a racetrack contract connected to the Ellis Thomas Downs. Photo: HoA/Youtbe
Meanwhile, as horse racing continues to be held up in the VI, Legislator Myron V. Walwyn (R6) had accused Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) of lacking the skills necessary to negotiate a racetrack contract connected to the Ellis Thomas Downs. Photo: HoA/Youtbe
CHARLOTTE AMALIE, St Thomas, USVI – Horse racing will be returning to St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands (USVI), with a record $115,000 purse. Meanwhile, legal challenges with the race track in the [British] Virgin Islands persist at the detriment of the 'Sport of Kings'.

According to the VI Consortium, USVI commissioner of the Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation, Calvert White announced the return of horse racing to St Thomas on May 3, 2024, at the Clinton E. Phipps Racetrack.

“The sport of horse racing has been a cornerstone of the Virgin Islands community, embodying our culture and tradition and serving as a gathering place for family, friends, and racing fans alike,” said Mr White, speaking at the Government House weekly press briefing.

Altogether, there is $115,000 in prize money to be won, making May’s race “the biggest race day in Virgin Islands history in St Thomas,” according to Mr White.

Six races are scheduled for the day, including the Ashby Classing, a Mare and Filly race, one featuring native horses, as well as the much-anticipated Governor’s Cup. "I really am looking forward to giving out that trophy…on race day,” Mr White commented.

No races in VI over track dispute 

Meanwhile, as horse racing continues to be held up in the VI, Legislator Myron V. Walwyn (R6) accused Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) of lacking the skills necessary to negotiate a racetrack contract connected to the Ellis Thomas Downs.

“The Premier is now trying to negotiate with the British Government on major matters, but he can’t negotiate with a benevolent family from Sea Cows Bay to get this Horse Racing situation sorted out? I don’t quite understand that,” he told the House of Assembly on February 20, 2024.

According to Hon Walwyn, the Thomas family is not unreasonable nor greedy and as such, the matter should be solved and the problem highlighted, “I am not asking just because I’m trying to be malicious, all of us when we go around people are asking when will Horse Racing be returning to the territory. The Premier has to give a better explanation and not this story about the contract being void, that is not true,” he said.

The last time there was a race day on Tortola was August Tuesday, 2022, but since then the major portion of the lands have been in dispute over increased market value payment requested between one landowner and the government of the VI.

15 Responses to “Horse racing returning to STT with record $115K purse; VI racing stalled”

  • resident (19/03/2024, 12:42) Like (9) Dislike (5) Reply
    government needs to pay the people what they want or find another peace of land for races
  • esteem (19/03/2024, 13:10) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    We must bring back horse racing
  • asura (19/03/2024, 13:47) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    St Thomas out the box
  • good (19/03/2024, 14:58) Like (5) Dislike (4) Reply
    Nobody cares about the horses.
  • Don't worry (19/03/2024, 19:31) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Now that ST. Thomas is having races again look how quick Tortola will get their act together. It's the traditional way of doing things.
  • HMMM (19/03/2024, 20:09) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    Government need take the land and just give the family fair market value it’s for the benefit of the whole territory when it have races we all benefit boats, taxi, hotels, rentals, supermarkets, bars, restaurants even to the same family and others around the area for parking. We all benefit directly or indirectly
  • Figure 8 (19/03/2024, 20:15) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
    race track for motorcycles would be way more interesting than old fashioned out of date horse racing. Perhaps the figure 8 track could be the driving test for groups of motorcyclists that want to earn a license and drive on the bumpy roads of he BVI!
  • While we here forming the @$$ (19/03/2024, 22:51) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    St.Thomas eating all our food
  • Forbidden Truth (19/03/2024, 23:27) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    Greed,Envy, Malice, worthlessness and bad mindedness have horse racing where it is in Tortola. $itch now
  • Hmm (20/03/2024, 06:49) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    We can have goat race on Tortola track
  • FOMO (20/03/2024, 07:53) Like (0) Dislike (4) Reply
    Only reason people want horse races here is because they can’t stand that St. Thomas has it. They also have casinos.
  • GateKeeper (20/03/2024, 11:09) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Five basic elements of an enforceable contract are 1) offer, b) acceptance, c) consideration, d) capacity and e) legality. Are these elements in the Ellis Thomas Downs v. Government contract? Governing must be strong and effective in a) short/term, b) medium term and c) long-term planning,. However, lack of effective planning is Government Achilles heal. In regards to horse racing,, Government(s) failed to secure a long-term contract. Giddy about horse racing, it went for the short-term contract. Typically, if one is unhappy with a current contractor, one can find another contractor to provide the services at lower cost, higher quality, etc.,The VI is a small, hilly locale, etc, so finding land for an alternative tract for horse racing is a challenge.. Anegada is an option but it is remote from the commercial , entertainment, etc.,capital/ action. Prior Piss poor planning performance!! A sensible and reasonable balance is needed. The USVi governing is modelled after the Presidental system; VI, Westminister system. Presidential is not perfect but seems to delivering more for our neighbors than the Westminster system for BVI. What is the last capital project the UK funded for the VI?
  • Josh (21/03/2024, 16:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    FOMO is a real fool. His statement makes no sense ????.


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