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UPDATE: Bittersweet victory for My Pal Shawn

- as Doughmaker is euthanised after breaking legs in feature clash of Boxing Day race card @ Ellis Thomas Downs on December 27, 2015
My Pal Shawn romping to victory in the feature race at Ellis Thomas Downs on December 27, 2015. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO
Race Five, the CCT Sponsored One Miler with a purse of $6,000, took place with lengthening shadows encroaching across the track, but still the crowd witnessed Pumped Up Kicks from St Thomas, ridden by Brian Gonzalez and owned by the Brothers Stables, win in a time of 1:43 and 4/5ths. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO
Race Five, the CCT Sponsored One Miler with a purse of $6,000, took place with lengthening shadows encroaching across the track, but still the crowd witnessed Pumped Up Kicks from St Thomas, ridden by Brian Gonzalez and owned by the Brothers Stables, win in a time of 1:43 and 4/5ths. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO
Cindy Soto became the third woman winner at Ellis Thomas Downs, riding I’m Sensational to a win in 1:31 and 4/5ths ahead of Starship Titan and Yes By Eric in Race 4. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO
Cindy Soto became the third woman winner at Ellis Thomas Downs, riding I’m Sensational to a win in 1:31 and 4/5ths ahead of Starship Titan and Yes By Eric in Race 4. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO
Miss Homer held off the challenge from Motion to Appeal in Race 3. Miss Homer was ridden to victory by Hiram Rivera in a time of 1:50 flat. Orithyia was third and True Essence fourth. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO
Miss Homer held off the challenge from Motion to Appeal in Race 3. Miss Homer was ridden to victory by Hiram Rivera in a time of 1:50 flat. Orithyia was third and True Essence fourth. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO
In Race Two, Hiram Rivera and Sin Mirar Atras had to resort to Plan B after a slow start to win the 7 furlong sprint in a time of 1:33. Charlie E. Jackson/VINO
In Race Two, Hiram Rivera and Sin Mirar Atras had to resort to Plan B after a slow start to win the 7 furlong sprint in a time of 1:33. Charlie E. Jackson/VINO
Race One, over 6 ½ Furlongs, saw L B Thunder and Michael Semple romp to victory in 1:26 flat, ahead of Dramacidel and Joshua. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO
Race One, over 6 ½ Furlongs, saw L B Thunder and Michael Semple romp to victory in 1:26 flat, ahead of Dramacidel and Joshua. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO
My Pal Shawn in the winner's circle following the tragic run of the feature race in which Doughmaker suffered two broken legs and had to be put down at Ellis Thomas Downs. Photo: VINO
My Pal Shawn in the winner's circle following the tragic run of the feature race in which Doughmaker suffered two broken legs and had to be put down at Ellis Thomas Downs. Photo: VINO
My Pal Shawn and Bittersweet Dream were quickly out of the gate but My Pal Shawn would soon turn up the pace in the one mile race. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO
My Pal Shawn and Bittersweet Dream were quickly out of the gate but My Pal Shawn would soon turn up the pace in the one mile race. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO
An unfortunate fate for promising horse Doughmaker who was making a return from injury. Photo: Team of Reporters
An unfortunate fate for promising horse Doughmaker who was making a return from injury. Photo: Team of Reporters
Some of the Virgin Islands top horses will clash in the feature race for a purse of $10, 000. Photo: VINO/File
Some of the Virgin Islands top horses will clash in the feature race for a purse of $10, 000. Photo: VINO/File
The rivalry will be among Bitter Sweet Dream (left) and Doughmaker of L&B Racing Stables, which is well known for producing champion horses, and My Pal Shawn (right) of Family Affair Stables in a 1 Mile clash for Class A horses. Photo: VINO/File
The rivalry will be among Bitter Sweet Dream (left) and Doughmaker of L&B Racing Stables, which is well known for producing champion horses, and My Pal Shawn (right) of Family Affair Stables in a 1 Mile clash for Class A horses. Photo: VINO/File
In just a matter of hours the race that many horse racing fans have been asking for will materialise at Ellis Thomas Downs in Sea Cows Bay as around 4:30pm three of the top horses on Tortola, Virgin Islands will clash to determine who is the best of the best. Photo: VINO/File
In just a matter of hours the race that many horse racing fans have been asking for will materialise at Ellis Thomas Downs in Sea Cows Bay as around 4:30pm three of the top horses on Tortola, Virgin Islands will clash to determine who is the best of the best. Photo: VINO/File
Apart from bragging rights among horse owners and racing fanatics, the feature race fetches a purse of $10, 000 sponsored by Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith. Photo: VINO/File
Apart from bragging rights among horse owners and racing fanatics, the feature race fetches a purse of $10, 000 sponsored by Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith. Photo: VINO/File
The first race on the 7-race card is slated for 12:45pm. Photo: VINO/File
The first race on the 7-race card is slated for 12:45pm. Photo: VINO/File
SEA COWS BAY, Tortola, VI – The celebrations were muted by the sad news that Doughmaker had to be euthanised after falling around the last bend, but My Pal Shawn comfortably won the feature clash of the Boxing Day Races at Ellis Thomas Downs in Sea Cows Bay on Sunday December 27, 2015.

The fans came out in their numbers, over dressed, under dressed and intent on enjoying the day’s activities, whether it be for the now traditional “lime” or to crowd the fence and witness horses giving it their all to excite and enthrall.

Feature race drama

The feature race, the One Miler sponsored by Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith for a purse of $10,000, was one of mixed emotions as the rejoicing for My Pal Shawn’s victory was cut short by the news that Doughmaker had fallen around the last bend and broken two legs.

2015 Governor’s Cup winner Doughmaker, who missed several races after having surgery in July to remove bone chips from one of his legs, was making a return to racing and trying desperately to catch up with both Bittersweet Dream and My Pal Shawn.

However, My Pal Shawn was not to be denied and showed by stepping up to the One Mile distance, after earlier wins over 6 ½ Furlongs, that he is now a serious threat to St Moose in 2016.

My Pal Shawn, ridden by Hiram Rivera, had too much speed for Bittersweet Dream down the final stretch to win by six lengths in a time of 1:47 and 1/5th.

Opening race win for L B Thunder

Race One, over 6 ½ Furlongs, saw L B Thunder and Michael Semple romp to victory in 1:26 flat, ahead of Dramacidel and Joshua.

“We were a little back out of the gate, but I have full confidence in the horse and once we saw the gap open up we went for it,” Semple said.

Sin Mirar Atras recovers from poor start

In Race Two, Hiram Rivera and Sin Mirar Atras had to resort to Plan B after a slow start to win the 7 furlong sprint in a time of 1:33.

“We had a bad start, but got into a good position around the first bend and once there I knew we had more than enough speed to win the race,” commented Rivera, who also noted that the track was in the best shape he could remember.

Mark It A Wynn came home second, having lost the lead around the final bend. Meddling Birdie ridden by Tyrone Nelson came third, Gus Is Tuff from St Thomas fourth, Optionality fifth and Power Ten- a surprising sixth after winning its last two races over 6 Furlongs.

Miss Homer first home!

Race Three, which was run over one mile, suffered a short delay as the gate was maneuvered into the right position and then saw True Essence reluctant to join the field as the doors sprang open.

Miss Homer finally held off the challenge from Motion to Appeal, ridden to victory by Rivera in a time of 1:50 flat. Orithyia was third and True Essence fourth.

Cindy Soto is sensational on I’m Sensational

Race Four became a three horse race after Buy Buy Buy got caught at the gate and didn’t start the 7 Furlong sprint as well as Atrevette who was scratched after running to a second place finish the previous day in St Croix, USVI.

Cindy Soto then became the third woman winner at Ellis Thomas Downs, riding I’m Sensational to a win in 1:31 and 4/5ths ahead of Starship Titan and Yes By Eric, who suffered his problems at the gate having burst through early, dismounting his rider, Rivera and heading off on a reverse lap before being returned to the start.

Pumped Up Kicks outkicks the competition

Race Five, the CCT Sponsored One Miler with a purse of $6,000, took place with lengthening shadows encroaching across the track, but still the crowd witnessed Pumped Up Kicks from St Thomas, ridden by Brian Gonzalez and owned by the Brothers Stables, win in a time of 1:43 and 4/5ths.

Chilean Boy, owned by Top Priority Stables, came home in second place, whilst How’s A Wynner was third, and Unguided Missile fourth.

Honors the top debut horse

The final race of the day, over 6 ½ Furlongs and which was run in almost complete darkness, was won by Honors on debut and owned by Family Affairs Stables.

See previous article published December 27, 2015

My Pal Shawn triumphs; Doughmaker breaks two legs

An emphatic victory by My Pal Shawn of Family Affair Stables in the feature clash of the Boxing Day races was overshadowed by tragedy on the track as Doughmaker reportedly suffered two broken legs and was put to sleep at Ellis Thomas Downs moments ago, December 27, 2015.

My Pal Shawn shrugged off an early challenge from Bitter Sweet Dream to win the 1 Mile clash for Class A horses easily in 1:47 as Doughmaker was never in the race and eventually went down from what was suspected to be two broken front legs.

It is not clear the condition of the jockey but an ambulance was quickly on scene as a large crowd gathered around.

Both Doughmaker and Bitter Sweet Dream were running out of L&B Racing Stables.

The feature race was run for a top prize of $10,000 sponsored by Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith.

The highly anticipated feature race brought back sad memories of the 8th running of the Premier’s Cup at Ellis Thomas Downs on Tuesday August 4, 2015 when St Moose of St Croix won but defending champion Break Up The Game broke his foot crossing the line in second place and had to be put down.

The 7th and final race of the day has not yet been run.

Virgin Islands News Online will bring further information as it comes in.

See previous article posted December 27, 2015

Just hours to big showdown with My Pal Shawn, Doughmaker & Bitter Sweet Dream!

In just a matter of hours the race that many horse racing fans have been asking for will materialise at Ellis Thomas Downs in Sea Cows Bay as around 4:30pm three of the top horses on Tortola, Virgin Islands will clash to determine who is the best of the best.

Apart from bragging rights among horse owners and racing fanatics, the feature race fetches a purse of $10, 000 sponsored by Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith.

The rivalry will be among Bitter Sweet Dream and Doughmaker of L&B Racing Stables, which is well known for producing champion horses, and My Pal Shawn of Family Affair Stables in a 1 Mile clash for Class A horses.

We checked in moments ago with Public Relations Officer of the BVI Horse Owners’ Association Esther N. Fraser, who said the Ellis Thomas Downs track is bustling with horses, including those that have arrived from St Thomas, US Virgin Islands.

“Every horse from St Thomas made it except for Atrevete who was slated to run in the 4th race but has been scratched. Other than that the race card remains the same. We are looking forward to the feature race that happens this afternoon as well as the 7th race which will feature a number of debut horses.”

Ms Fraser also noted that Road March Champions VIBE will be providing entertainment for race day.

Admission is $15 for adults and $5 for children.

The first race on the 7-race card is slated for 12:45pm.

Download official race card here:

http://www.virginislandsnewsonline.com/ads/Official_Race_Card_-_27_December_2015.pdf

36 Responses to “UPDATE: Bittersweet victory for My Pal Shawn”

  • ta ta (27/12/2015, 11:01) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    Lets hope the rain holds off
    • mr amazing! (27/12/2015, 18:52) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
      that was a bitter sweet win today for family affairs, sorry about doughmaker, but mypalshawn is a beast out of heaven, wow he broke down bitter sweet dream easily, wow patsy, u got an awesome horse, won all your races so far by atleast 8 horse lengths, siant moose, the bvi awaits your arrival the 17th of January!
      • stx says (28/12/2015, 14:42) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        We ain't coming over to what seems like accidents waiting to happen.
        • mr amazing (28/12/2015, 22:50) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
          mr bates knows better, he loves our track surface, he low it!
          • stx says (29/12/2015, 05:29) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
            Mr Bates might lo' yo track but he lo' he hass dem tuh
            • mr amazing (29/12/2015, 07:48) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
              we await st moose he has an ass wipping here awaiting!
              • stx says (29/12/2015, 11:16) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
                Yo ain see wha Karen come out and say dis mawhnin, pah we goin'? Tis bes' ayo come ova have a good time WI we. Bring all ayo queens tuh. Win or lose we still goin be one.
    • W*F (28/12/2015, 10:23) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      The high school can't get toilet paper or supplies and our ministers giving money to horse racing? How stupid that sound?
  • The weather.. (27/12/2015, 11:57) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    The weather. Horse race then 42nd street. The weather.
  • Horse Race to Otley. (27/12/2015, 11:58) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    Rain, Rain go away come as hard as you can another day..
  • ccc (27/12/2015, 13:44) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    no rain we will be find
  • SM (27/12/2015, 18:34) Like (4) Dislike (6) Reply
    Heard was plenty confusion down there mehson. Sad to hear about Doughmaker. Letty loses another top horse
    • ..... (27/12/2015, 19:12) Like (26) Dislike (2) Reply
      Certainly plenty of confusion. But from half way through the race you could see that the horse was hurting. Should have been pulled up from then. I don't know if L&B are getting desperate or what but some of their horses should not be running. It was clear that Uptown had a problem before he went down as well.

      As a horse racing fan and animal lover, that place needs closing down until order and structure can be brought to it. What I saw August Tuesday and today (Boxing Day) is nothing short of confusion and Animal Cruelty.... I won't be going back anytime soon.
  • Quiet Storm (Original) (27/12/2015, 19:10) Like (17) Dislike (5) Reply
    So shameful to see an animal on the ground for hours in pain!!! the Government and Myron should be ran out of town for lack of interest in the track and the care of animals
    • the rock (27/12/2015, 21:47) Like (12) Dislike (3) Reply
      shut your A$$ up, if u don't have nothing constructive, what happen today was all fault to the jckey if a horse is hurting easy his A$$ up!
    • Really (27/12/2015, 21:54) Like (20) Dislike (1) Reply
      The barbaric morons that race these horses in the name of money should be banned and locked up for animal cruelty. This is ridiculous that nearly every race meet a horse is put down
  • RF (27/12/2015, 19:49) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Who won the last race ?
    • the rock (28/12/2015, 06:52) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      fanily affairs won it easily with another big horse name "Honor"!
  • Can't continue. Sad. (27/12/2015, 20:01) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    Don't the horses do a complete medical the day of the race? If not, they should implement that.. We need to do something. This can't continue to happen. Its so, so sad.
  • wow (27/12/2015, 20:40) Like (21) Dislike (1) Reply
    I don't care for horse racing in this place. We must love the animals first before we love horse racing. I will not go down there to shed tears, I love animals and I can't take that level of cruelty.
  • Animal Cruelty (27/12/2015, 20:50) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    PLEASE PLEASE STOP HURTING THE HORSES ON THIS TRACK. There has been way too many horses having t be put down for broken legs. I for one will not be supporting horse racing
    • Me (28/12/2015, 00:08) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
      i understand how u feel but its not the track, its most of the owners mentality and the so call professional jockeys, a lot of those incidents could of been avoided, like today, and also august Tuesday!
    • concern (28/12/2015, 11:10) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
      We have a government who do not know there are things to be in place for every thing that goes on in a country all they want to do is muzzle this news site .
  • my pal shawn (28/12/2015, 02:40) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    GONE CLEAR LIKE WINDEX!
  • Hanky Panky (28/12/2015, 06:41) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hope there is no late night or inside hanky panky going on.
    • @Hanky Panky (28/12/2015, 07:58) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      People in the BVI have become so evil and envious of each other they run to Haiti to hurt their neighbor, or someone they don't like or someone who is doing better than them. Its like Haiti is now the solution to all their problems.. In this place. You never know.. You never know.
  • cruelty (28/12/2015, 08:37) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    This is animal cruelty, Police must look into this mess,
  • the rock (28/12/2015, 08:45) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    no hanky panky, jus pure licks shared by mypalshawn!
  • rock man (28/12/2015, 08:57) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    At me you sound like another hater the track does have something to do with the horses getting hurt and having to be put down.
  • tretretrete (28/12/2015, 09:18) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Looks like sloppy work by the training staff. I never see broken legs like that. Sloppy work, sloppy taping of the legs
  • Crazy generation. (28/12/2015, 16:01) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    3 incidents happened in a period of 20 yrs all of a sudden its the track..Such nonsense... These horse owners and trainers see winning as everything, you win you are God. You are a Don, You are king. They do everything to win at the expense of the horses..That's the society we live in today. No marks for second place. No marks for effort.. Its a crazy generation.
  • ìiio (29/12/2015, 20:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why you mention Haiti???


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