Calvert White, commissioner of the Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation, announced the return of horse racing to St. Thomas on May 3 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.
Six races are scheduled for the day, he revealed, 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,” Governor Albert Bryan remarked.
Race day patrons will be able to park at the Bertha C. Boschulte School, the Nadir basketball court parking lot, and the Ezra Fredericks Park in Frydenhoj, with shuttles available for convenient transportation to the racetrack.
Mr. White was pleased to note that the event also included the participation of horses from the sister island of St. Croix while residents there await the refurbishment of the Randall “Doc” James racetrack. “I know for a fact there’s already three native horses from St. Croix already on St. Thomas, getting ready to prepare for those races,” he said, as he encouraged the public to turn out in support of horse racing on the island. 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 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.
Both Mr. White and Governor Bryan thanked Southland Gaming for their efforts in making sure the track was operational in time for the Carnival race.
Meanwhile, in a marked change of tone from his previous comments on the matter, Governor Bryan was optimistic that racing would soon return to St. Croix as well. Noting that VIGL is awaiting a decision from the Casino Control Commission on whether their application for a racino license will be approved, he hoped that the upcoming hearing would have a positive result. “Hopefully they’ll get that, and then they could start construction, but they feel pretty positive about the project.”
