Governor Albert Bryan Jr. announced that the Government of the Virgin Islands has officially regained legal control of the Randall 'Doc' James Racetrack on St. Croix following an agreement with VIGL Operations, LLC. This milestone marks a turning point in efforts to revitalize the racetrack and ensure the long-awaited return of horse racing to the island.

“For nearly a decade, the people of St. Croix have been anticipating the redevelopment of Randall 'Doc' James Racetrack,” Governor Bryan said during his weekly Government House press briefing. He acknowledged that the contract governing the racetrack’s redevelopment was executed under the previous administration in 2016, and since taking office in 2019, his administration has been committed to finding solutions that advance the project in the best interest of the Virgin Islands.

The agreement with VIGL Operations, LLC terminates the previous contract, placing full legal control of the racetrack in the hands of the government. This step provides a clear path forward for the redevelopment of the racetrack and allows for a fresh, strategic approach to revitalizing horse racing on St. Croix, the administration said.

“This agreement presents a valuable opportunity to reassess and refocus our efforts on delivering a racetrack that meets the needs and expectations of our community,” Governor Bryan stated. “Our goal has always been to ensure that horse racing thrives in a way that honors our deep-rooted history in the sport while also contributing to economic growth.”

With the government now in control, officials can begin exploring new partnerships and redevelopment strategies that align with the community’s vision for the Randall 'Doc' James Racetrack. 

The Randall 'Doc' James Racetrack has long been a cornerstone of St. Croix’s sporting and cultural heritage. Horse racing has played a vital role in the history and identity of the Virgin Islands, attracting enthusiasts, supporting local businesses, and serving as an economic driver. With this agreement in place, the government will now focus on rebuilding and modernizing the racetrack to provide a world-class facility that reflects the legacy of horse racing in the territory.

Governor Bryan expressed his appreciation to the people of St. Croix for their patience and unwavering support throughout this process. “We are committed to moving forward responsibly and efficiently, with a clear focus on delivering results. In the coming weeks, we will provide more details on the next steps in this process,” he said.

With legal control restored, the government will immediately begin evaluating redevelopment options, ensuring that horse racing’s return to St. Croix is both viable and beneficial to the community, according to Government House. Further updates are expected as plans take shape for the future of the Randall 'Doc' James Racetrack.