With Really Uptown (left; leading the pack) and Bud White out of the August Tuesday races, it remains to be seen which horse will emerge as the top gun in the Premier's Cup on August 6, 2013. Photo: CM Farrington/VINO/File

President of the VI Horse Owners Association, Mrs Karen Smith-Aaron has urged local horse racing fans to faithfully support the August Tuesday races at Ellis Thomas Downs on August 6, 2013. Photo: VINO/File

The Premier’s Cup, which is the main event for the races, features two Tortola horses, Winaholic and Square One (both of Top Priority Racing Stables).The other contenders in the Class A feature race event will be Shackles N Chains, Sweet Sight and Twisted Dream of St Thomas and Plotter of St Croix who is on debut.

A few months ago, pundits may have been whetting their appetites for a possible showdown in the Premier’s Cup between the two speed demons, Bud White and Really Uptown, who ran neck and neck in a fairly recent encounter but are now both out of contention after suffering injuries. Bud White’s injury proved to be life ending.

Bud White was leading the pre-Father’s Day feature race on June 2, 2013 at Ellis Thomas Downs before receiving an injury to his left foreleg that ultimately proved to be life threatening and surely dealt a heavy blow to the Virgin Islands’ horse racing fraternity. The horse was subsequently put down after its owners, Alliance Point Stables, had expressed hopes of putting the horse to stud following its injury.

Meanwhile, local horse owner Violet ‘Letty’ Hodge disclosed that her champion racehorse Really Uptown had also suffered an injury earlier this month, which prompted her to take precautionary measures in pulling the horse out of the races.

Understandably, President of the VI Horse Owners Association, Mrs Karen Smith-Aaron, while still concerned about the absence of both horses in next Tuesday’s race event, remained optimistic about the line-up.

“I am very pleased with the submissions we received from St. Thomas and St. Croix and am looking forward to an exciting day at the races. Although the crowd favourites, Really Uptown and Bud White will not be participating, I urge the fans to come out and support the races,” Mrs Smith-Aaron said in an invited comment.

She further disclosed that in addition to local entertainment, there will be a hat competition with a first and second prize of $500.00 and $300.00 respectfully.

The entrance fee for adults is $12.00 by ticket and $15.00 at the gate. Entrance fee for children is $5.00.  Tickets can be obtained from any member of the Association, Aaron Rentals, Speedy's and Native Son (St. Thomas).

See official race card below: