The card, dubbed Boxing Day Races- Part 2, for Ellis Thomas Downs has been cancelled, owing to poor weather. Photo: VINO/File

The remaining races in the Boxing Day Horse Race Card in honour of former horse owner and centenarian, Mr William I. Rhymer, will be run off at Ellis Thomas Downs this Sunday, January 19, 2020 from 2:00pm. Photo: VINO/File

The flyer for the Boxing Day Races- Part 2 at Ellis Thomas Downs in Sea Cows Bay, Tortola on January 19, 2020. Photo: Facebook

According to President of the Virgin Islands Horse Owners Association, Lesmore Smith, the horses from St Thomas were scheduled to come to Tortola today but the horsemen were discouraged by the weather. Photo: VINO/File

The remaining five races on the card were scheduled to be run this Sunday, January 19, 2020; however, the Virgin Islands Horse Owners Association said it had to cancel due to inclement weather forecast for this weekend.

According to President of the Virgin Islands Horse Owners Association, Lesmore Smith, the horses from St Thomas were scheduled to come to Tortola today but the horsemen were discouraged by the weather.

"We are looking tentatively at the 2nd [of February], Mr Smith told Virgin Islands News Online.

Other factors were working against races

Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports are that even before the weather became a factor, the horse owners from the US Virgin Islands were reluctant to come over, citing lack of financial support to do so.

Other reports are that the owner of the barge responsible for transporting the horses was not willing to risk the rough sea conditions.

See previous article published January 17, 2020

Boxing Day Races- Part 2 set for Sunday Jan 19 @ Ellis Thomas Downs

The remaining races in the Boxing Day Horse Race Card in honour of former horse owner and centenarian, Mr William I. Rhymer, will be run off at Ellis Thomas Downs in Sea Cows Bay, Tortola, this Sunday, January 19, 2020.

Rain had interrupted the action after only two races on December 26, 2019, with both Tortola and St Thomas bagging a win.

The card, dubbed Boxing Day Races- Part 2, starts at 2:00pm and will see five races being run, including the feature race involving Thulean, Totally Evil, Salsa Jack, Courage and Honour and Barrabas Key for a purse of $10,500 plus added fees.

The feature race is also dedicated to Mr Rhymer, who President of the Virgin Islands Horse Owners Association, Lesmore Smith, described as a ‘traditional horseman’.

Celebrating 1 year of restoration

The event will also commemorate the one year anniversary of the restoration of the race track following the hurricanes of 2017. Added to that, the Association will be issuing a commemorative booklet highlighting old horse owners and their horses.

Added attractions for this Sunday will include a raffle and prizes for Best Cultural Wear, Lady in Red, Highest Heels, Oldest Senior and more.

Meanwhile, persons who previously purchased tickets can enter free while non-ticket holders will pay $5, according to the Association.

Heavy showers on December 26, 2019 had swamped the track and presented a safety concern, forcing the VI Horse Owners Association to call it a day after the second race.

God's Greatness of 7 A's Stables in St Thomas had won the opening encounter the while the second race was taken by Tortola’s Nadie's Image of Top Priority Racing Stables.

See race card below: