Horses from Tortola will not be participating in the upcoming race meet in St Thomas at the Clinton E. Phipps race track as the June 28, 2015 races fall too close to the time that the Virgin Islands Horse Owners’ Association will stage its own meet billed for July 12, 2015. Photo: Andre 'Shadow' Dawson

One of the horses in the feature race - Break Up The Game. Photo: VINO/File

Esther N. Fraser, Public Relations Officer of the Virgin Islands Horse Owners’ Association. Photo: Provided

Confirming the reason for the non-participation was Enos Z. Aaron of the Boys Stables who said that it would be difficult to participate in the St Thomas race so close to the home race. Photo: VINO/File

Speaking to this news site today June 18, 2015, Esther N. Fraser, Public Relations Officer of the Virgin Islands Horse Owners’ Association, said that because of the closeness of the dates, it would appear that the Tortola horse owners opted out of participation so as to be prepared for the Tortola meet in July at Ellis Thomas Downs.

"The BVI Horse Owners’ Association does not manage the participation of its horse owners in off island races. Horse-owners voluntarily elect which races their horses will run. As such it appears that they've opted not to compete on St Thomas in the June 28th races. However, horse racing fans and spectators alike can look forward to the BVI's next race day on July 12, 2015 at the Ellis Thomas Downs Racetrack on Tortola,” she said.

The St Thomas meet meet will feature horses from the USVI – St Thomas and St Croix.

Everything set for races

Speaking to this news site, Racing Secretary of the St Thomas Horse Racing Association Kareem ‘Pogo’ Thompson said everything is set for the races and they are only waiting for the arrival of the horses from St Croix.

“People can expect an exciting day as always,” said Thompson. “You know when it is sister island racing we would be at our best,” he said.

The feature race of the day will be the One Mile Open St. J Festival/Love City Classic featuring Giant Valley, Break Up The Game, Great Friends Rule, Uptown Anthem and How’s Wynner.

Race one will feature Scripture n Verse, Fair Command, Swiggle and Yourluckytohaveme. Race three will see Jordan’s Image coming against Simon Sez Run, Philly Thunder, Sandy Point and Pumped Up Kicks. Race four will feature Bar Magic, Little Bart, Unguided Missile, Coupon and El Indultado.

Race five will see competition between Noble Forever, Rough n Royal, Baby Champ, Auston Got Even, Machoramus and D’Pretender.

The final race will feature Flying Aptitude, Funny Accommodation, Daddy’s Dream, La Nina W, Grand Family, Hesnopussycat, Trust Me and Fly In The Soup.

Confirming the reason for the non-participation was Enos Z. Aaron of the Boys Stables who said that it would be difficult to participate in the St Thomas race so close to the home race. “I think that is why most of us, if not all of us, are staying away. If we go then we won’t be able to have our event,” he said.