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Gov’t should take “bigger interest” in horseracing - Fraser

Hon. Fraser (inset) is appealing to Premier Smith to invest more in VI’s horseracing. Photo: VINO
Several races are held each year at the Downs. Photo: VINO
Several races are held each year at the Downs. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – The Territory’s leader was encouraged to take a “bigger interest” in horseracing as it is the sport that generates revenue and unifies both the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) and the Virgin Islands (VI).

Third District Representative, Hon. Julian Fraser, RA made this appeal during the last House of Assembly Sitting on May 10, 2012.

An avid fan of the sport, Hon. Fraser pointed out that the success of the Triple Crown is an indication of how the sport is evolving on Tortola, St. Thomas and St. Croix.

“Government has to recognise how important horseracing is, for what it does because people in droves travel to the different tracks on these islands. So I am proposing that the Premier [Dr. D. Orlando Smith] take a bigger interest in the Triple Crown…we can have over in these Virgin Islands the USVI Governor at that event in an official capacity,” the District Representative stated.

He made reference to the vast interest that the United States of America (USA) Triple Crown has garnered, and the international appeal it has achieved. “It’s amazing that we have the same Triple Crown.”

To accomplish this, Hon. Fraser added, is to have the facilities at Ellis Thomas Downs race track upgraded.

“Premier I am urging you to look at it for what it has, the horses are running, they are alive. Come this August the president of the Horse Owners’ Association will be organising and is in constant motion trying to develop the track. We want to have a top notch, world class facility and the only way that is going to happen is to get the full co-operation of Government and whatever economic assistance in terms of development,” he emphasised.

The next step for VI horseracing is to get the horses to compete in Puerto Rico, Hon. Fraser stated, which could be made possible by expanding the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

“…because things are developing so positively I am sure that with Government’s intervention and working with the Horse Owners’ Association something like that is attainable,” the District Representative said.

15 Responses to “Gov’t should take “bigger interest” in horseracing - Fraser”

  • yes (16/05/2012, 07:33) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hon Frazer , i am on this with you . Thanks for supporting the Sport.
  • one eye roster (16/05/2012, 08:56) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Fraser you are always on the cutting edge of what the bvi need hurry come back to office
  • RA (16/05/2012, 10:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Is he the mouth piece for opposition? every thing he complain about could have been fix now he there barking. Let the Government run the country, you had your chance Mr.
  • Real Talk (16/05/2012, 11:33) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    So why he never looked into this while he was in power? It's a good idea, I agree, but sometimes I wonder if this man is bipolar? His offshore banking idea is a good one as well so I was wondering it wasn't brought up and pushed when he was in Cabinet? Seems he's more of an asset to the country when in the Opposition, lol.
    • Anegada Massive (16/05/2012, 15:09) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      myron boss go get some space at the Anegada Primary school from on here as a stroy drop deman
  • Not2Sure (16/05/2012, 14:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Personally, I would rather that Government took "bigger interest" in education and unemployment than horse racing. Horse racing is entertainment. Right now we need to be fighting for our future.
    • Vision (16/05/2012, 14:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      "Not2Sure"..... Be careful not to miss the point. The point here is not horse racing, it is about international relations, building commerce, and exploring possibilities for growth. Do you know how many of our people travel to USVI for College, Medical Health, shopping? Right now the street runs one way. We need to work with the USVI to get the street to run both ways. Horse racing unites us, and once we are united the politics of mutual cooperation becomes possible.
  • broom (16/05/2012, 15:34) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Fraser and the VIP was getting us out of this mess when you all change the government, now we do not expect the NDP to get us out of his mess....
    • fish (16/05/2012, 17:15) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      this is so true but one has to be man and honest enough to admit it...
    • hmmmmm (17/05/2012, 09:02) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I think you meant to say Fraser and his Goverment dug us deeper in this mess. ...............Spending ridiculously in the heart of a recession.
  • keep it real (16/05/2012, 15:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Fraser simply put you are a true visionary
  • history lessons (17/05/2012, 18:54) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    and i hope you all do not forget that it was Mr. Fraser who name the race track off Ellis Thomas... he must be given mad credit for that!


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