Horses Will Race Again On St. Croix, St. Thomas Still On Hold

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Horse racing will resume at Randall “Doc” James Horse Track in St. Croix, but the future of racing on St. Thomas is still uncertain.

Governor Albert Bryan Jr. held a news conference on Wednesday announcing a new agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands and VIGL Operations, LLC. The new agreement will enable VIGL to resume construction on the Randall "Doc" James horse track, paving the way for horse racing to return to St. Croix.

This agreement, signed by the Govenor on Wednesday, amends the previous arrangement made between VIGL and Governor Mapp. Previously, the tracks on St. Croix and St. Thomas were managed together. Now, management of the tracts is split.

VIGL will manage the Randall "Doc" James track and they will resume construction as soon as possible. VIGL will not manage the Clinton E. Phipps Racetrack on St. Thomas, however, they will handle promotions for both tracks. The Govenor emphasized that both tracks will operate under a unified horse racing system and under a single racing commission, so race days won't conflict and the purses will be similar.

Governor Bryan said that construction should begin in the next 60 days and appealed to the horsemen of St. Croix to accomodate VIGL during construction. VIGL CEO Lance Griffith gave a broad timeline of 18-24 months for the St. Croix track to be completed, citing delays in the supply chain for materials.

The fate of racing on St. Thomas depends on the outcome of a provisional agreement between the government and Southland Gaming. Southland filed a lawsuit against the Government of the Virgin Islands over slot machines and video gaming terminals at the St. Thomas Track. Governor Bryan said that the new agreement essentially allows Southland to rebuild the track on St. Thomas and manage all operations. VIGL, however, will be the track promoter. The Governor also pointed out that some sections of the non-binding agreement with Southland will have to be ratified by the Legislature.

The Govenor promised an update on horse racing on St. Thomas in the next 60 days.

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