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Pasty C. Lake Out! Lesmore Smith In! as new Horse Owners' President

- Former Legislator & National Democratic Party spokeswoman Eileene L. Parsons named Treasurer
Long time President, businesswoman, national hero and horse owner Pasty C. Lake, left, has been replaced by businessman and horse owner Lesmore Smith, right, as President of the BVI Horse Owners Association. Photo: VINO/File
Ellis Thomas Downs was damaged by the floods of August 2017 and the two category 5 hurricanes that followed in September 2017. Photo: VINO/File
Ellis Thomas Downs was damaged by the floods of August 2017 and the two category 5 hurricanes that followed in September 2017. Photo: VINO/File
Following the election of 2011, the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) placed Ellis Thomas Downs under the Ministry of Education and Culture. Photo: VINO/File
Following the election of 2011, the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) placed Ellis Thomas Downs under the Ministry of Education and Culture. Photo: VINO/File
SEA COWS BAY, Tortola, VI- The BVI Horse Owner’s Association, the body that organises and runs all horse races at the famous Ellis Thomas Downs on Tortola, has new leadership.

Long time President, businesswoman, national hero and horse owner Pasty C. Lake has been replaced by businessman and horse owner, Lesmore Smith.

Mrs Karen B. Smith-Aaron, continues as the Vice President; and the Treasurer is Mrs Eileene L. Parsons OBE, a former Minister who was instrumental in the new racetrack project.

The Public Relations Officer is Ms Xavyrna Samuels; Ms Rosalind Leonard, was elected as Secretary; and Mr Karl Thomas will serve as Racing Secretary; while Mr Kyle L. Abraham is the Horse Owner’s Representative, according to a press release.

Former President Ms Lake declined to comment when ask why she did not place her hat in the ring for reelection. Ms Lake has spent much of her personal funds to keep horse racing alive in the Territory, including the purchase of a new starting gate.

How will horse race get back on track?

The Ellis Thomas Downs facility suffered heavy damages after the Territory went through severe flooding in August of 2017, as well as hurricanes Irma and Maria in September of the same year.

Speaking exclusively to our newsroom, newly elected President Lesmore Smith said one of his main objectives as President “is the restoration of horse racing,” however he did not elaborate on how that will be done.

In the press release issued by the Association, Mr Smith also added “My team and I have already started to put things in place to ensure that we have a clear plan and realistic timelines in our rebuilding effort.”

Some fifteen years plus ago the Government of then Hon Ralph T. O’Neal OBE gave the Horse Owners permission to elect a body and use the government owned racetrack to run races, as the public property was managed under the Premier’s Office.

Following the election of 2011, the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) placed Ellis Thomas Downs under the Ministry of Education and Culture.

13 Responses to “Pasty C. Lake Out! Lesmore Smith In! as new Horse Owners' President”

  • Welsah (08/05/2018, 14:32) Like (9) Dislike (5) Reply
    VINO, y’ll put her in y’ll call-out cartoon and expect her to talk to y’ll. Come on now...that cartoon was funny though.
  • just asking... (08/05/2018, 14:59) Like (9) Dislike (2) Reply
    How come no one knew about this election?
    • HAHA (08/05/2018, 15:30) Like (7) Dislike (4) Reply
      Because there was none. Look what Ministry it’s under look at the member(s).
  • £££££ (08/05/2018, 15:17) Like (13) Dislike (4) Reply
    She running from being featured in y’ll widely famous cartoons. LOL!
  • Thing to talk (08/05/2018, 18:34) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Bone and Brewley them coming
  • the rock (08/05/2018, 19:20) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    Horse race is now laud to rest!
  • jeez (09/05/2018, 07:22) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    Please Why .... Not this arrogant, cocky A $$$$ again.
    • SHUT UP (09/05/2018, 12:24) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      The same person you describing has increase the relations with the USVI, has work to put in place a deal so the horseowners of the BVI can take their cars over for horse race and don't have to spend money rentals, he build the food stand out of his own money down by the horse track that you all enjoy and he also pays for the maintenance of the grounds. Before you look thing to talk check his track record. Not shut the hell up.
  • Look thing (09/05/2018, 08:15) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    Wall win get in on Patsy but he gone from bad to worse.
  • pat (09/05/2018, 10:07) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    Leasmore has always wanted to be president now the thing dead
  • ausar (09/05/2018, 10:29) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
    You took out Patsy, a lady whom I learned so much about the ABCs of horseracing and replaced her with a virtual unknown, in terms of communicative skills.

    Lets see now what we will be able to learn...


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