Thulean (#2), with jockey Kennel Pellot, pulled off a thrilling come-from behind win over Totally Evil after having to close a gap of more than 8 lengths in the feature clash at the Pre-August Festival Races at Ellis Thomas Downs in Sea Cows Bay, Tortola, on July 7, 2019. Photo: VINO

Thulean (#2 takes to the Winner’s Circle after ending the unbeaten streak of Totally Evil in the feature clash at the Pre-August Festival Races at Ellis Thomas Downs in Sea Cows Bay, Tortola, on July 7, 2019. Photo: VINO

The opening race, over 7 furlongs for Class C&D Mares and Fillies for a purse of $6000.00, was won by Artra By Me of St Thomas. Photo: VINO

Race 2, contested over 7 furlongs by Class C&D horses for a purse of $6,200.00, saw Running Mate of St Thomas, with jockey Angel Rodriguez, taking victory in 123.2. Photo: VINO

Running Mate and entourage in the Winner’s Circle. Photo: VINO

Artra By Me of St Thomas in the Winner’s Circle after blazing to victory in the opening race, over 7 furlongs for Class C&D Mares and Fillies for a purse of $6000.00 at Ellis Thomas Downs on July 7, 2019. Photo: VINO

The third race of the day, for Class A&B Mares and Fillies over 7 furlongs, brought victory and $6,500.00 for Nadie’s Image, ridden by David Rosario. Photo: VINO

Race 4, which was contested over 6 1/2 furlongs by Class A & B horses for a prize of $7,500, was taken by Chovanes and jockey Sammy Jiminez. Photo: VINO

King Power, ridden by Angel Rodriguez, emerged victorious in a time of 123.2, in the penultimate race of the day on July 7, 2019 at Ellis Thomas Downs. Photo: VINO

Just when horse racing fans were beginning to think it was going to be another victory in the bag for Totally Evil, as it was enjoying a good lead over the competition, Thulean, with jockey Kennel Pellot, pulled off a thrilling come-from behind win after having to close a gap of more than 8 lengths.

It was a close margin of victory over the 1-1/16 mile encounter. The winning time was 1:52.1.

It was sweet victory for Thulean, which had been scratched from the feature encounter of the Easter Festival Races in April after refusing to enter the gates and even causing its jockey to fall.

Race results

The opening race, over 7 furlongs for Class C&D Mares and Fillies for a purse of $6000.00, was won by Artra By Me of St Thomas, followed by My Song Venezuelan, also of St Thomas, while third was Queen Grave and No Luck of St Thomas.

Race 2, contested over 7 furlongs by Class C&D horses for a purse of $6,200.00, saw Running Mate of St Thomas, with jockey Angel Rodriguez, taking victory in 123.2.

Second was Center Gold, third God’s Greatness of St Thomas and fourth Formal Talent, also of St Thomas.

The third race of the day, for Class A&B Mares and Fillies over 7 furlongs, brought victory and $6,500.00 for Nadie’s Image, ridden by David Rosario. The winning time was 1:52.1.

Second was Freckle De Freck and third Faster N Blazes.

Race 4, which was contested over 6 1/2 furlongs by Class A & B horses for a prize of $7,500, belonged to Chovanes and jockey Sammy Jiminez. The winning time was 1:22.3.

Second was Giant Valley and third Putting on a Show of St Thomas. Fourth was Jordan’s Salsa of St Thomas.

The penultimate race of the day was also contested over 6 1/2 furlongs by Class A & B horses for a prize of $7,500.

King Power, ridden by Angel Rodriguez, emerged victorious in a time of 123.2.

Good day at the races but small turnout- Lesmore Smith

President of the VI Horse Owners Association, Mr Lesmore Smith told Virgin Islands News Online he was pleased with how the race card was executed but was a little disappointed with the small turnout of spectators.

This he blamed on the short advertising time.

Mr Smith was also grateful for the participation of the St Thomas horses and noted that it ended being 3 victories each between St Thomas and Tortola. 14 of the 16 horses slated to participate in the Pre-August Festival Races made it over to Tortola.

Mr Smith said the focus is now on the August Festival Races and getting Ellis Thomas Downs ready for it.