The government of the Virgin Islands is forging ahead with the completion of the Randall “Doc” James horseracing track, according to Governor Albert Bryan Jr., who addressed the issue during Monday's Government House press briefing.
Three weeks ago the government announced that it had regained control over the property, after reaching a settlement with VIGL in a breach of contract lawsuit that was filed following the company's inordinate delays on the project.
Since then, Governor Bryan said that officials have met with the Horse Racing Association and horse owners on St. Croix. “I got more information from them than I imparted to them,” Governor Bryan said.
“One of the things we decided on is we need to get a professional down here to look at the track, look at the surface, so we're working on that now to see what kind of work it needs,” the governor continued.
He noted that the racetrack surface is close to being ready, with only a few remaining steps. “The sand is there to be spread. So if all goes well, our project says that we will spread the sand, put down a new surface for the track, and then we'll finish the barns that need to be done, and then we'll start to return to horse racing.”
While the track and barns are being brought to a functional state to facilitate racing, “at the same time, we'll be finalizing the plans for all the structures and everything, and then start building that.”
Governor Bryan admitted, however, that funding for the continuation of the project may not yet be fully secured. “We're in a bit of a little fight with FEMA now on some funds, but the plan is to get started,” he declared. The government has undertaken to complete the project itself.
“I have a couple of people that are running me down to talk to me about investing in horse racing in the Virgin Islands. But, you know, once bitten twice shy,” Governor Bryan disclosed. “I'm having those conversations with them, but we're moving forward to re-establish horse racing in St. Croix.”
