My Pal Shawn and Bitter Sweet Dream duke it out in a previous race. Photo: VINO/File

Wrol Up is ready for the competition in the feature race. Photo: VINO/File

Much is expected from Yes By Eric who runs in Race two. Photo: VINO/File

Apollo Sky is back after a six month break following an injury. Photo: VINO/File

President of the Virgin Islands Horse Owners Association Patsy C. Lake said that to honour Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth on the occasion of her 90th birthday this year, they have named the races for persons bestowed with the honour of Order of the British Empire (OBE). Photo: VINO/File

Speaking with this news site, veteran horse owner Violet 'Letty' Delville-Hodge said that she is looking forward to better results this time around from her two horses Bitter Sweet Dream and L&B Thunder. “It will be good... I expect a different showing than the last time,” she said. Photo: VINO/File

Speaking to this news site, trainer for The Boys' Stables Enos Z. Aaron said that his stable is prepared to take wins come Sunday. Photo: VINO/File

SEA COWS BAY, Tortola, VI – Come Sunday March 27, 2016, Ellis Thomas Downs in Sea Cows Bay on the main island of Tortola will come alive with six exciting races to honour the occasion of Queen Elizabeth II celebrating her 90th birthday this year.

The feature race is aptly named for Her Majesty. In this race, five horses will seek to do battle for a purse of $9,990. These are Bellamy Chief owned by Top Priority Racing Stables, Daboluck owned by Thomasville Stables, Atorrante owned by 284 Racing Stables, Wrol Up owned by The Boys' Stables and Honors owned by Family Affair Stables.

The first race of the day is a 7 furlong for Class E horse and will feature Joshua owned by Top Priority Racing Stables, Dramacidel owned by House/BW Stables, Gottocha Bob owned by Mission House Stables, L&B Thunder owned by L&B Racing Stables and Sir Whiskey owned by The Boys' Stables for a purse of $3,990.

Race two is a six and a half furlong for Class C and D horses for a purse of $3,990 and will feature Motion To Appeal owned by Housing/BW Stables, Yes By Eric owned by The Boys' Stables and Meddling Birdie owned by Mission House Stables.

Race three is a six and a half furlong for Class C horses for a purse of $3,990 and features Prince of Speed owned by Housing/BW Stables, Star Ship Titan owned by Strictly Business Stables and Buy Buy Buy owned by 284 Racing Stables.

Race four is a seven furlong for Class A horses and will feature Apollo Sky owned by The Boys' Stables and which is returning from injury, Exploring owned by Top Priority Racing Stables and My Pal Shawn owned by Family Affair Stables. This race has a purse of $6,990.

Race five is a three horse race for Class A and B Mares and Fillies at a distance of 6 and a half furlongs featuring Crazy Laura owned by Top Priority Racing Stables, Bitter Sweet Dream owned by L&B Racing Stables and Miss Homer owned by Kierra Hodge. This race has a purse of $4,990.

Apollo Sky is back

Speaking to this news site, trainer for The Boys' Stables Enos Z. Aaron said his stable is prepared to take wins come Sunday.

“We have four horses in the races. We have Sir Whiskey, we have Yes By Eric...both of them didn't do very well at their last race. We have Wrol Up who is running in the Queen Elizabeth II Classic and then we have Apollo Sky...we bringing him back on the scene,” he said.

According to Aaron, Apollo Sky had picked up a leg injury which needed time to heal. He said that they gave Apollo Sky more time than was required for the healing and thus he should be ready.

“He had a small injury to his leg. It was repairable so the vet had told us to give him some time off as it was something that needed to heal. We did give him some time off...we gave him more time than he needed. The vet had asked us to give him two months and we gave him six months to make sure the healing process is complete,” he said.

Aaron said all of the horses are expected to have a good showing. “I feel that I have four winners...four good chances of winning races,” he said.

L&B Racing Stables ready - 'Letty' Delville-Hodge

Speaking with this news site, veteran horse owner Violet 'Letty' Delville-Hodge said she is looking forward to better results this time around from her two horses Bitter Sweet Dream and L&B Thunder. “It will be good... I expect a different showing than the last time,” she said.

Persons conferred with OBE to be honoured

President of the Virgin Islands Horse Owners Association Patsy C. Lake said that to honour Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth on the occasion of her 90th birthday this year, they have named the races for persons bestowed with the honour of Order of the British Empire (OBE).

“Race one is in honour of Honourable Ralph T. O'Neal OBE, so it will be called the Honourable Ralph T. O'Neal OBE Classic, race two will be called the Feliciano 'Foxy' Callwood OBE Classic, race three is going to be the Ottley Maduro OBE Classic, race four is going to be Lady Lorna G. Smith OBE Classic, race five is going to be Lady Eileene L. Parsons OBE Classic and the feature race of the day is the sixth race and that is going to be called the Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Classic,” she said.

Mrs Lake indicated that all of the preparations are coming along well for the races. “We have six races. Entertainment is going to be by Relentless Band and DJ 'Push Pop' [Craig A. Lake] and we also have some VIP tickets available. Post time is 2:00 pm,” she said.

See official race card below: