Two of the horses making their way to the gate for the feature race that would later be deemed unofficial due to a false start. Photo: VINO

The final race, which for the fans became the feature race of the day, was won by Jordan’s Image of St Thomas and owned by Michael Smith of Point Alliance Stables. This race was sponsored by JoAnn ‘Roxie’ Romney and the Virgin Islands Party (VIP). Photo: VINO

Disappointed fans after the 'unofficial' feature race. Photo: VINO

One of the horses in the final race which has now become the feature race for fans. That race has been sponsored by JoAnn 'Roxie' Romney and the Virgin Islands Party. Photo: VINO

Anticipated as one of the most riveting meets at Ellis Thomas Downs, the Virgin Islands Horse Owners' Association this morning, May 31, 2015 put together the final piece to ensure a smooth execution of the event- the preparation of the track. Photo: Team of Reporters

Horses from the VI and USVI are set for a showdown come Sunday May 31, 2015 at Ellis Thomas Downs as the latter are seeking to reclaim the glory stolen by Tortola last time out in St Thomas. Photo: VINO/File

President of the Virgin Islands Horse Owners’ Association Karen B. Smith-Aaron told this news site that the preparations for the race are being finalised and there is excitement in the air. She said that this is one of the most riveting meets in the history of horse racing at Ellis Thomas Downs with such a large contingent of horses from St Thomas and St Croix. Photo: VINO/File

Chilean Boy. Photo: VINO/File

Apollo Sky. Photo: VINO/File

Lesmore Smith, speaking to this news site said that he expects a one two finish from his two horses Chilean Boy and Exploring in the feature race. He said that given the condition of the horses right now he expects nothing less. Photo: VINO/File

Public Relations Officer of the Virgin Islands Horse Owners’ Association Esther N. Fraser said that the preparations are going really well for the race. Photo: Provided

Speaking to this news site, Enos Z. Aaron of The Boys’ Racing Stables said that the preparation for their two horses – Apollo Sky and Yes By Eric –was fairly easy going into this race. Photo: VINO/File

One of the horses apparently broke the gate prematurely with three other horses in pursuit, and Uptown Anthem of St Croix still in the gate.

The four jockeys failed to bring their horses to a stop despite the red flag remaining up and completed the distance.

There was much disappointment among fans and horse owners alike, who spoke of the need to have a new gate to prevent future occurrences.

The NDP 'A Team' race for A Class horses was supposed to be run over 7 furlongs for a purse of $8000.

It is not clear what will be done with the prize money.

Other results

Meanwhile, the first clash of the day, a 5 furlongs race for Class E horses, was won by Power Ten of Zion Stables, followed by LB Thunder of L&B Racing Stables while He'snopussycat of St Thomas was third.

Race 2, contested over six and a half furlongs by Class E horses for a purse of $4000, was won by Mark it a Win in 125.1 seconds, while Meddling Birdie was second and Trust Me third.

Race three was taken by Buy Buy Buy while the fourth race of the day was won by Pumped Up Kicks of St Thomas.

Race 5, a three-horse race for C and D Mares and Fillies over 7 furlongs for a purse of $5000, was comfortably won by Bitter Sweet Dream of L&B Racing Stables.

The final race, which for the fans became the feature race of the day, was won by Jordan’s Image of St Thomas and owned by Michael Smith of Point Alliance Stables. This race was sponsored by JoAnn ‘Roxie’ Romney and the Virgin Islands Party (VIP).

See previous story published on May 31, 2015:

UPDATE: Final stage set for big meet @ Ellis Thomas Downs today

- organisers looking for sharp 12:30pm start today, May 31, 2015

SEA COWS BAY, Tortola, VI – Anticipated as one of the most riveting meets at Ellis Thomas Downs, the Virgin Islands Horse Owners' Association this morning, May 31, 2015 put together the final piece to ensure a smooth execution of the event- the preparation of the track.

A number of horses from St Croix and St Thomas, United States Virgin Islands are here to offer intense competition to local horses in what is touted as a revival of inter-island horse racing.

With horse racing fans always looking for keen competition from the USVI, a large crowd is expected to grace Ellis Thomas Downs today, not forgetting the many politicians who will be sure to make themselves obvious with general election just over a week away.

Public Relations Officer of the Virgin Islands Horse Owners’ Association Esther N. Fraser told Virgin Islands News Online this morning that the final touches to the track were being done and that race time is expected to be 12:30pm sharp.

She said the horses from off island have arrived and fans of the 'sport of kings' can expect an exciting day of races.

The feature clash on the 7-race card is for a purse of $7,500 sponsored by the National Democratic Party and features Break Up The Game; Exploring, making its debut at Ellis Thomas Downs; Apollo Sky, owned by the Boys’ Racing Stables; Chilean Boy, owned by Top Priority Stables; and Giant Valley and Uptown Anthem from St Croix.

See previous story posted May 28, 2015

‘I’m looking for a 1–2 finish’ @ Sunday's races– Lesmore Smith

- hopes Exploring & Chilean Boy bring it home first & second in feature race @ Ellis Thomas Downs on Sunday May 31, 2015

Horses from the Virgin Islands (VI) and United States Virgin Islands (USVI) are set for a showdown come Sunday May 31, 2015 at Ellis Thomas Downs as the latter are seeking to reclaim the glory stolen by the VI last time out in St Thomas, USVI.

Race six is the feature race for a purse of $7,500 sponsored by the National Democratic Party and features Break Up The Game; Exploring, making its debut at Ellis Thomas Downs; Apollo Sky, owned by the Boys’ Racing Stables; Chilean Boy, owned by Top Priority Stables; and Giant Valley and Uptown Anthem from St Croix.

Following that will be Race seven, sponsored by JoAnn ‘Roxie’ Romney and the Virgin Islands Party with a purse of $6,500.

This race features Starship Titan, Fort Pyramaid, Prince of Speed, Jordan’s Image, How’s A Wynner (debut) and Luxury Appeal.

The first race of the day features two horses making their debut- LB Thunder and He’s Nopussycat- and Power Ten.

Race two will feature Mark It A Wynn, Meddling Birdie, Peacephilly, Rough N Royal, Trust M and Orithyia.

Race three will see Buy Buy Buy coming up against Coupon, D’ Pretender, Flying Aptitude, Baby Champ all making their debut, and Funny Accommodation.

Race four will feature Yes By Eric, Kiton, Little Bart and Bar Magic making their debut, Unguided Missile and Pumped Up Kicks (debut).

Race five will be between Swiggle (debut), Southern Dunn and Bittersweet Dream.

Smith hoping for 1-2 finish

Lesmore Smith, speaking to this news site, said he expects a one two finish from his two horses Chilean Boy and Exploring in the feature race, adding that given the condition of the horses right now he expects nothing less.

“The horses are ready to go…we are just waiting on Sunday to come and see how it turns out,” he said. “I have Chilean Boy and Exploring in the big race for the day and Kiton is in a different race. They are all prepared and ready to go."

Asked which one of them in the feature race will bring it home, he said he is looking for a one two finish between the two horses. “I am looking for a one two…that’s what I am looking for,” said Smith.

Speaking to this news site, Enos Z. Aaron of The Boys’ Racing Stables said preparation for their two horses – Apollo Sky and Yes By Eric –was fairly easy going into this race.

“We are just coming off a race in St Thomas where the two of them ran real great. Apollo Sky won his race and Yes By Eric ran a very close second to Kiton owned by Lesmore Smith. They are both going to be in the same race this time around,” he said.

Aaron said Apollo Sky is ready and feeling good. “It will be a challenge for Apollo Sky but I am looking to be victorious again."

St Croix horses on Tortola

Public Relations Officer of the Virgin Islands Horse Owners’ Association Esther N. Fraser said preparations are going really well for the race.

“The horses from St Croix have already arrived and some of them are en route and we expect the St Thomas horses to be in by Friday. We are looking forward to very good races and lots of competition,” she said.

According to her, St Thomas would be eager to get back some of their bragging rights considering what Tortola did to them the last time in St Thomas when Doughmaker returned the Governor’s Cup to Tortola on May 1, 2015.

She said too that there will be a political race as the two largest races are sponsored by the National Democratic Party and the Virgin Islands Party.

“There will be a political race in advance of the June 8 elections,” she said. “We are grateful that both parties found it profitable and gainful to go ahead and support the Horse Owners’ Association. We wish them well coming up. It is definitely a positive sign that no matter what party wins, horse racing will be at the forefront of sporting events of the BVI,” she said.

This is bigger than Triple Crown

President of the Virgin Islands Horse Owners’ Association Karen B. Smith-Aaron told this news site that the preparations for the race are being finalised and there is excitement in the air. She said this is one of the most riveting meets in the history of horse racing at Ellis Thomas Downs with such a large contingent of horses from St Thomas and St Croix.

“Five of the St Croix horses arrived last night. We have a third team who would be coming down Friday morning of which three are St Croix horses,” she said. She added that a total of seven horses from St Croix and ten from St Thomas will be here for the race.

“We hope that the [fans from the USVI] come to support the races. This is one of the bigger races that we have had for the year, even bigger than the Triple Crown,” she said.

She expressed her thanks to two horse owners, Lesmore Smith and Kyle Abraham for making accommodation available for the many horses by moving their own horses into single stables so as to get an additional three quarantine stables that were required.

proposed horse racing card