The remaining races of the 2019 Boxing Day Horse Race Card organised by the Virgin Islands Horse Owners Association will now be run on another card dubbed Pre-Valentine’s Races at Ellis Thomas Downs in Sea Cows Bay this Sunday, February 2, 2020. Photo: VINO/File

The flyer for the Pre-Valentine's Horse Races at Ellis Thomas Downs on Sunday, February 2, 2020. Photo: Facebook

President of the Virgin Islands Horse Owners Association, Mr Lesmore Smith said horse racing is a go for Sunday, February 2, 2020 at Ellis Thomas Downs and is looking forward to a great event. Photo: VINO/File

After the first card was interrupted by rain on Boxing Day, December 26, 2019, the remaining races were rescheduled for Sunday, January 19, 2020; however, the card was called off two days before by the Association, citing inclement weather.

Unconfirmed reports; however, were that even before the weather became a factor, the horse owners from the US Virgin Islands (USVI) were reluctant to come over, citing lack of financial support to do so.

Other reports are that the owner of the barge responsible for transporting the horses was not willing to risk the rough sea conditions.

Contacted today, January 31, 2020, President of the Virgin Islands Horse Owners Association, Mr Lesmore Smith said as far as he knows horse racing will be run this Sunday, weather permitting.

“So far yes, it’s a go. Everybody should be here and we are looking forward to a great event,” Mr Smith told Virgin Islands News Online, adding that “the weather seems to be favourable and we hope it stays that we.”

7-race card

Meanwhile, two more races have been added to the 5 remaining races to make up the Pre-Valentine’s race card with the theme 'For the love of horse racing'.

Race 1 will feature God's Greatness, Lil Fool, Reignomeda, Uncle Mace and debut horse Baby George in a clash over 6 1/2 furlongs.

Race 2, for Class B & C horses to be contested over a mile, will involve Nadiae's Image, Freckle De Freck, Faster N Blazes and My Song Venezuelean.

Both God’s Greatness and Nadie’s Image won their respective races on Boxing Day.

The feature race of course will be a showdown among Thulean, Totally Evil, Salsa Jack, Courage and Honour and Barrabas Key for a purse of $10,500 plus added fees.

The feature race is also dedicated to centenarian Mr William I. Rhymer, who has been described as a ‘traditional horseman’.

Post Time on Sunday, February 2, 2020 is 1:00pm.

Added attractions will include Best Dressed Woman/Man and Cutest Couple, with prizes compliments of Aladdin Quality Store and Diamond's international.