Deputy Premier Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) has said the return of horse racing to the Virgin Islands will be an expensive venture. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

Premier and Minister for Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) confirmed that efforts to resolve the impasse surrounding Ellis Thomas Downs have thus far been unsuccessful. Photo: VINO/File

The public is eager for the return of horse racing in the Virgin Islands. Photo: VINO/File

He gave the candid disclosure at a press conference on February 28, 2025, clarifying that while the public is eager for the sport’s revival, it will require serious financial commitment.

Public is yearning for this- Hon Fraser

"I think that the populace has the appetite now to understand if you need it that bad, it's going to cost you; and if it's going to cost you and we're going to pay, you cannot come back to us and complain because it's not going to be cheap," he stated.

According to Hon Fraser, the demand for horse racing has grown significantly, with the general public actively pushing for the track’s return.

With this in mind he posits, “They're yearning for this track. It's something that I didn't feel was happening at the time when it was happening.”

The long-term legislator did lament that in the past, the government did not prioritise the track’s administration, as it was largely handed over to private interests, “We got the track, we developed the track, we built a grandstand, and we literally turned it over to the private sector, so to speak. The interest and the focus wasn't there.”

Recalling his tenure as Minister for Communications and Works, he said he had intentionally avoided involvement in the administration of horse racing, as financial matters relating to the sport fell under the Minister of Finance’s authority.

"I particularly stated that I wanted no part of the administration because only the Minister of Finance has the reach to deal with a matter like that. And I got out of hand.”

Hon Fraser suggested that another serious attempt must be made to resolve the issue, advocating, "I do believe that the Premier, we will have to make this other concerted effort and another push to see what we can do.”

No breakthrough yet 

Meanwhile, Premier and Minister for Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) confirmed that efforts to resolve the impasse surrounding Ellis Thomas Downs have thus far been unsuccessful. 

"I made robust efforts to have discussions on something mutually beneficial; That hasn't been successful as yet, but we continue to try,” he said. 

With no immediate solution, the government, Premier Wheatley said, has even explored alternative locations for a racetrack however none are suitable yet. 

“We continue to try, But we have to do something, I guess,” he said.