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UPDATE: Races return to Ellis Thomas Downs today, Nov. 17

- Leave it to Bern to clash with Swag Daddy in debut race
Horseracing fans are all set to witness a treat as races return to Ellis Thomas Downs in Sea Cows Bay today, November 17, 2013 after a three month break. Photo: VINO/File
The Boys Stables’ Leave it to Bern (in front) is set for a head to head clash against Swagg Daddy when the two horses finally make their highly anticipated debut on Tortola soil. The 7 furlong race also includes two other debutants, Town Hall and Game Keeper. Photo: Andre 'Shadow' Dawson/File
The Boys Stables’ Leave it to Bern (in front) is set for a head to head clash against Swagg Daddy when the two horses finally make their highly anticipated debut on Tortola soil. The 7 furlong race also includes two other debutants, Town Hall and Game Keeper. Photo: Andre 'Shadow' Dawson/File
President of the VI Horse Owners Association, Mrs Karen Smith-Aaron, revealed that the second horse purchased with the assistance of a government grant is scheduled to make its debut at Ellis Thomas Downs on Sunday, November 17, 2013. Photo: Provided
President of the VI Horse Owners Association, Mrs Karen Smith-Aaron, revealed that the second horse purchased with the assistance of a government grant is scheduled to make its debut at Ellis Thomas Downs on Sunday, November 17, 2013. Photo: Provided
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Horseracing fans are all set to witness a treat as races return to Ellis Thomas Downs in Sea Cows Bay today, November 17, 2013 after a three month break.

Leave it to Bern, racing out of the Boys Stables, is expected to feature among six horses on debut and comes up against Swagg Daddy in a highly anticipated race.

Races will be predominantly between local horses as Swagg Daddy will be one of two horses, in addition to Benny South Street (debut), which will be racing out of St Thomas.

Owner of Top Priority Stables, Mr Lesmore Smith disclosed that five horses from his stables will be competing in the races.

President of the VI Horse Owners Association, Mrs Karen Smith-Aaron, called on fans to support the races being held today while noting that their support is instrumental in ensuring more frequent races at the track.

“I would like to encourage people to come out… support the local horses and support the efforts that are underway actually to get more horses here and to get races more periodically than we are able to,” Smith-Aaron said.

See previous story posted November 13, 2013:

 UPDATE: 2nd gov’t funded horse to debut at upcoming races 

- VI Horse Owners President appeals for public support

SEA COWS BAY, Tortola, VI – The second horse purchased with the assistance of a government grant is scheduled to make its debut at Ellis Thomas Downs on Sunday, November 17, 2013.

This was revealed by President of the VI Horse Owners Association Mrs Karen Smith-Aaron who said she expected the races to be very competitive.

The horse, Miss Homer will be making its debut against Orithiya and True Essence in the fourth race of the card for Mares and Fillies on Sunday.

Smith-Aaron is also calling on residents to support the event, noting that the public’s support is important in enabling the Association to run races on a more regular basis.

“I would like to encourage people to come out… support the local horses and support the efforts that are underway actually to get more horses here and to get races more periodically than we are able to,” Smith-Aaron said.

She added that the Association needed the support of the public in order to acquire more horses.

Alex Lake is also expected to introduce a new horse, Town Hall, in the final and feature race of the day which will also include Leave it to Bern and other horses running at Ellis Thomas Downs for the first time.

See previous story posted November 10, 2013:

Six debutants for Ellis Thomas races on Nov 17

- Top Priority to field five horses 

SEA COWS BAY, Tortola, VI – Six debutants are expected to grace the racetrack at Ellis Thomas Downs when horse races return after a three month break next Sunday, November 17, 2013.

According to President of the VI Horse Owners Association, Mrs Karen Smith-Aaron, races were previously postponed in September and October by the Association due to the limited participation of horses from neighbouring islands. 

“As we are currently dependent on visiting horses, we are currently reviewing the remaining racing calendars to determine if it will be possible for us to host a race prior to the next scheduled race day on Boxing Day,” Mrs Smith-Aaron related. 

The upcoming card features five races with a total of sixteen horses, including the six on debut.

The Boys Stables’ Leave it to Bern is set for a head to head clash against Swagg Daddy when the two horses finally make their highly anticipated debut on Tortola soil. The 7 furlong race also includes two other debutants, Town Hall and Game Keeper.

Swagg Daddy will be one of two horses, in addition to Benny South Street (debut), which will be racing out of St Thomas.

‘Bern’ emerged as winner over one mile and 40 yards in the fifth race of the Triple Tiara Crown on September 15, 2013 in St Thomas. He then repeated the victory in the second leg of the races a month later to show that his win was no fluke.

Meanwhile, owner of Top Priority Racing stables, Mr Lesmore Smith said his team will be entering five horses into the races on Sunday.

See proposed race card below:

 

 

21 Responses to “UPDATE: Races return to Ellis Thomas Downs today, Nov. 17”

  • question (10/11/2013, 15:38) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    where is really up town?
    • enough (10/11/2013, 16:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      right there in his stable!!!!
    • Hmm (10/11/2013, 18:56) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      u took the words out my out...resting far too long!!!
    • Horse (13/11/2013, 08:56) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Really Up Town need to rest after injuring his leg...... He will be ready for the upcoming year...Don't give up yet because he will be ready for battle.....
  • CHAMPION (10/11/2013, 19:54) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why a u all including me let the guys shine when it's time I'll be there too Defend ..............................................REALLY UP TOWN
  • vip (10/11/2013, 23:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Is this the 5th or 6th race since the NDP got in?
  • Fan (11/11/2013, 04:49) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    we need to start a horse breeding programme to improve the pedigree
  • high hope (11/11/2013, 11:24) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    finally some races on tola
  • she the cat mother (12/11/2013, 12:32) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hope the rock city horse come through and we are not played…
  • rob (13/11/2013, 08:54) Like (9) Dislike (3) Reply
    So Government is broke, people are getting laid off, Hospital way over budget, schools need to be renovated, roads need to be repaired.........................and Government goes and buys a horse. Come on people. Where are your priorities?
    • Wait (14/11/2013, 19:19) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      But I thought horse owners were considered small man just like petty contractors. Yall confusing people man. hahaii
  • Huh? (13/11/2013, 09:07) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    So the government broke but they can fine $$$ for horses...Boss I just cannot wait until the next elections
  • ooooo (13/11/2013, 09:40) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    so many folks hungry and out of work...contractors and suppliers not being paid by government but money was allocated to buy race horses? well sah!
  • ooooo (13/11/2013, 09:43) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    now this is horse before cart..LOL!!!!
  • Bam Bam (13/11/2013, 09:43) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    When you read all about it, the Government is between the devil and the deep blue sea. If they do, they are doomed and if they don't, they are still doomed. So the Bible is right...in these last days....2 Timothy 3: 1 - 5
  • insider (13/11/2013, 10:30) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Is she the head of Inland Revenue yet?
  • Hmm (13/11/2013, 12:24) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    what the hell is wrong with this government mehson. A HORSE? SO MANY KIDS GOIN SCHOOL WITHOUT FOOD ....Take the money and give a grant to a local business (food wise)that would assist with making sure our kids are fed even if its not an on-going thing atleast it would be used for something with sense....hmmmm. a horse wtf
  • down hill (13/11/2013, 13:56) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    everything has gone down in those place under this government and horse race is no difference
  • shesamonster (13/11/2013, 14:25) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Our roads are in dire need of repair, but lets spend the tax payers money on a horse.. maybe we shall all start going to work on horseback!!
  • heat (17/11/2013, 14:39) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    hope the people comes out


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