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Lesmore Smith keeping an 'open mind' as underdog

- Plans to stay focused; remains quietly confident
Lesmore Smith and Good Prospecting seen earlier today December 25, 2012 getting ready for race day. Photo:VINO
Ellis Thomas Downs racetrack and grandstands seen after a brief morning shower on December 25, 2012. Photo:VINO
Ellis Thomas Downs racetrack and grandstands seen after a brief morning shower on December 25, 2012. Photo:VINO
SEA COWS BAY, Tortola, VI – The current President of the Virgin Islands Horse Owners’ Association and owner of Top Priority Stables, Mr Lesmore Smith, is quietly confident ahead of tomorrow’s Boxing Day races at Ellis Thomas Downs in Sea Cows Bay.

Mr Smith explained that races were in the final stages of preparation with raking and cleaning being done on the track and in the grandstands. “Everything is moving along smoothly so far,” he assured.

The owner of Good Prospecting, a key participant in the feature race on December 26, 2012, was quite calm and assured even though he admitted he was going into the race as “the underdog”.

“I ran the Triple Crown… I came back and won the Governor’s Cup when they said I shouldn’t even be there,” he revealed.

There would be no difference in preparations this time around the owner related. “I keep the same mentality every day for horse racing,” he said while explaining that ultimately, in horse racing, horses were meant to beat each other.

Smith also noted that different circumstances can affect a horse’s performance in a race as well, “It could be a bad break, it could be a bad ride, anything could cause you to lose the race... cause you to win the race.”

“At the end of the day,” said Mr Smith, “I’m just being optimistic about [everything]… going out there, I’m hoping for the best for all of us, I hope that the horses are in good health and good condition… may the best man win.”

The horse owner also noted the fact that owners had to be alert with their horses and constantly monitoring their conditions, “you never know, because with the horses and the horse racing industry… you can leave [the horses] now and come back this afternoon, and observe that there is some problem.”

“They can’t speak to you,” he continued, “you can leave them in good spirits, go up the road, come back for regular afternoon training and then you observe something that is not in place, or you come tomorrow, ready for the race and something else is not in place…”

“I’m just staying focused… I keep an open mind, my team and I are working, doing our best to be there and be ready for the races, we are trying our best to be.”

The outgoing President of the horse owners Association also noted that weather was not much of a factor in tomorrow’s races as different horses might thrive on different tracks depending on their preference.

He further noted there was no animosity or tension between the horse owners being exhibited before the feature race, “It’s not about being personal about it, it’s about going out there and having fun… some of the fans are the ones you might find getting personal and having attitudes… we are among each other every day…”

8 Responses to “Lesmore Smith keeping an 'open mind' as underdog”

  • red nose (25/12/2012, 10:57) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    he might upset the field....not over until the fat lady sings
  • club (25/12/2012, 15:55) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Thumbs up Lesmore
  • Correction (25/12/2012, 18:30) Like (0) Dislike (5) Reply
    lesmore is not the president of the horse owners association
    karen smith is the president and he is the vice president
    • tretretrete (25/12/2012, 20:27) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      sorry to buss your bubble but he is until dec 31.
    • Check your source (25/12/2012, 20:33) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Yes he is. His term ends December 31....Mrs. Aaron doesn't take over until the new year.Check
    • @ Correction (25/12/2012, 21:03) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      fool karen does not take over until Jan 2013....you need to head back at least to get your GED
    • Skillful (25/12/2012, 21:03) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      He IS still the President. She takes office effective Jan. 2013. His term isn't up as yet.
    • Get it right (27/12/2012, 13:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      He is the president until after December 31st.


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