‘Track surface needs overhaul; No vet @ races' – Karen B. Smith-Aaron
Smith-Aaron was responding to queries put by Virgin Islands News Online after Doughmaker owner Violet ‘Letty’ Delville-Hodge complained bitterly regarding the fact that there was no vet to tend to her horse after it broke its legs towards the end of the feature race on Sunday. She also decried the state of the track surface which she said could have been a contributing factor.
Delville-Hodge threatened to walk away from the sport she has been an ardent supporter of for so many years.
Absence of vet added to trauma
“The loss of Doughmaker was unfortunate, and the absence of a vet added to the trauma of Letty and the rest of the members of the L&B Racing Stables having to see him suffer. While I am not in a position to determine the cause of the accident, as Doughmaker was recovering from a previous injury, I can confirm that the track requires an overhaul,” Smith-Aaron said.
Several years since work done on track
Smith-Aaron said also that it has been several years since work has been carried out to add new soil and level the running surface. “Unfortunately, due to the state of the economy, the Government is financially unable to finance the project at this time, hence, the ongoing study to prepare legislation to commence Pari Mutuel betting as a revenue source to fund races and maintain the track,” said Smith-Aaron.
She said the Association is cognizant that it is important to have a vet on the track during the races. “Discussions are ongoing with the Chief Agricultural Officer to ensure that a vet is available for the 2016 racing calendar. On behalf of the committee, I extend apologies to the members of L&B Racing Stables and racing fans for the additional stress endured while waiting on the vet,” she said.
Bright & sunny races turned sombre
In a statement to this news site, Public Relations Officer of the Association Esther N. Fraser said that the bright and sunny races soon turned sombre.
“Boxing Day races were off to a brisk start. The sun came out and so did the crowds. However, much of the excitement and anticipation preceding the feature race was lost with Doughmaker. He was a fine horse and had winning trophies to prove it. The BVI Horse Owners' Association extend our condolences to L&B Racing Stables during this difficult time. It is not an easy thing to lose a horse who you've groomed, cared for, nursed through injuries, and ridden to victory,” said Fraser.
“It is uncertain what caused Doughmaker's fatal injuries as he rounded the last corner before the finish line. This, in addition to the lack of readily available vet services, makes Mrs Delville-Hodge's frustrations quite understandable. Her passion for horses is admirable,” said Fraser.
Letty’s exit from horse racing would be regrettable
She added that Mrs Delville-Hodge is also in a unique position to affect the change she wishes to see.
“She’s aware of the challenges regarding funding and maintaining track, a long-time horse owner, and an astute and experienced businesswoman. Her leaving would be regrettable, as she would also be leaving the opportunity to significantly and positively impact the revitalisation of horse racing in the Virgin Islands; to the detriment of the very horses she professes to care for,” said Fraser.
Fraser pointed out that the lack of adequate resources is not new to the BVI Horse Owners’ Association.
“To address these deficiencies, we are advocating for Pari Mutuel betting as a viable and regenerative source of revenue… revenue that will aid in better maintenance for our track and stables, refining the race goers’ experience as well as provide costly equipment and much more. The establishment of a Commission to regulate and enforce proposed legislation is also being researched. Mrs Delville-Hodge and many others have been consistent cheerleaders in this regard,” Fraser said.
She noted that in spite of the frustrations and losses, “it is imperative that we stay the course and do what is necessary to enhance the critical elements of the cultural staple that is horse racing.”
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33 Responses to “‘Track surface needs overhaul; No vet @ races' – Karen B. Smith-Aaron”
I agree with you 100%. If Mrs. Hodge could admit that the track was in no condition for horses to be ran on, then why did she run all her horses? Now, something fatal has happened, she wants to blame it on the track, First blame yourself before casting blame. And the last thing I can remember clearly, that same horse had a foot injury sooooo, maybe that horse should have never been running in the first place
Hugh Darley turn state witness ,is because of him the project went wrong.The government have no Moneyf or the track is because of people like Hugh Darley who running his mouth like soft sh*t. 25000 a month for doing what running his mouth now and horse owners balling