BVI Recreation Trust to take reigns of horse racing in VI
According to sources, the Trust will take responsibility of Ellis Thomas Downs as well as the stables there and will establish a committee to organise races.
Virgin Islands News Online was unable to get a comment from Chairman of the BVI Recreation Trust, Roy Barry and President of the VI Horse Owners Association, Lesmore Smith. Both declined to speak on the issue.
It is not clear how soon the Trust will take over as, according to a reliable source, the plan is still in the works and are yet to be officially put to the horse owners.
Horse Owners excited
Meanwhile, a number of horse owners have already received the news about the proposal and have expressed optimism about it.
One of the most active persons in local horse racing, Violet “Letty” Hodge, told Virgin Islands News Online that she was happy to hear about the plan. “This is music to my ears,” Hodge said, adding that from what she heard the Trust will be in charge of the track, stables, bars and will also be holding the races.
“We need a proper track and for them to put qualified people in charge [of horse racing]... Now that is the kind of thing I want. Now to see it happen is another story,” Hodge noted.
Another horse owner, Mr. Rodney Simmonds, said no one told him about the plan for the BVI Recreation Trust to take charge of horse racing but said he supported it. “This is a very good idea,” Simmonds told Virgin Islands News Online.
Meanwhile, horse owners were recently given a chance to express their views on the sport and how it could be improved. Among the issues raised by the horse owners were the need for more races, security and maintenance of the stables, lack of water at the stables and improved communication between horse owners and the committee.
Horse Owners were also encouraged to purchase more horses and ideas were given on how monies could be raised to do so.
Approximately 15 persons had showed up for the meeting held on Monday September 24, 2012 at the stables at Ellis Thomas Downs.
11 Responses to “BVI Recreation Trust to take reigns of horse racing in VI”
How convenient, as Mr Roy Barry was just put in as chairman of the board and is also, V.P of the Association. So sick of the sneaky $h1t that goes on in this place. Nothing is ever done the right way. I much as I love horse racing, it doesn't matter who it's under but as long as it's under certain people, it will never get better.