UPDATE: Boxing Day horse races rained out
Seven races were scheduled for the day.
The heavy showers swamped the track and presented a safety concern, forcing the VI Horse Owners Association to call it a day.
Unconfirmed reports are that the Association is looking to continue the races on Sunday, December 29, 2019.
Efforts to reach President of the VI Horse Owners Association, Mr Lesmore Smith were not successful up to time of publication.
Meanwhile, the first race was won by God's Greatness of 7 A's Stables in St Thomas while the second race was taken by Nadie's Image of Top Priority Racing Stables.
Virgin Islands News Online will provide an update as soon as more information comes in.
See previous story published December 26, 2019
All roads lead to Ellis Thomas Downs for Boxing Day races!
- Races dedicated to centenarian William I. Rhymer; Special recognition for late Ira Oliver Skelton
Rain or shine, Ellis Thomas Downs in Sea Cows Bay will no doubt be the place to be today, December 26, 2019, a public holiday, for the annual Boxing Day Races, being held this year in honour of centenarian and former horse owner William I. Rhymer.
Some 32 horses- 13 from the [British] Virgin Islands and 19 from the US Virgin Islands (USVI)- will be involved in the 7-race card from 1:00pm.
Debuting in Race 1 will be Baby George and King Wild Cat owned by Lesmore Smith’s Top Priority Stables, Warrior Ridge out of Missionhouse Racing stables and Moveslike Molasses (USVI) owned by Arturo Watlington.
Feature race
The feature race will see Thulean, Totally Evil, Salsa Jack, Barrabas Key and Courage and Honour battling for the $10,500 plus bragging rights.
Of course, local horse owner and President of the VI Horse Owners Association, Mr Lesmore Smith, is not counting out his horse, Courage and Honour, to ride to glory.
“I am going to give Mr Rhymer, one of our oldest horsemen in this territory, his flowers while he is still with us. That day is in honour of him.” Mr Smith said.
“The big race that I am going to be participating in with Courage and Honour, I am going to use Courage and Honour that day to honour Mr Rhymer and I will give my best shot to win that race,” Mr Smith continued.
Late Ira Oliver Skelton to be recognised
Additionally, special mention and recognition will also be given to Mr Ira Oliver Skelton who passed away recently. Mr Skelton was regarded as playing a key role in keeping the sport alive in the VI.
The late Skelton had also contributed the pipes for the construction of the rails around the grand stand in 2018.
“And I want to say to his family thanks, he didn’t have to do it. He would come down there at the tracks and he said listen I have some pipes at home I am not using them, I don’t think I will ever use them, come take them, go with them, help yourself,” Mr Smith recalled.
Grand stand will be covered
Meanwhile, added attractions today will include a raffle and prizes for Best Cultural Wear, Lady in Red, Highest Heels, Oldest Senior and more,
Seniors will have a special tent and a discounted cost to enter.
The gate fees are: Adults $15.00, Seniors $10.00 and Children under 12 $5.00.
According to Mr Smith, persons need not have fears about the sun or rain as portions of the grand stand will be covered.
See official race card below:
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19 Responses to “UPDATE: Boxing Day horse races rained out”
How you going be cursing and using God’s name in the same breath.
As for fowl fighting...you seriously think God put fowls on the earth for that purpose.
God is about order not mess.
You need to go and fight your demons.