News
Horse racing the forgotten sports in VI
SEA COWS BAY, Tortola, VI- After some three years of no horse racing (last race was in 2021) on Tortola and the Ellis Thomas Downs land negotiations at a standstill, it appears horse racing- a big pastime and something that has been ingrained in the Virgin Islands' culture- is forgotten.
Ellis Thomas Downs turned into an oasis of culture on August Tuesday 2024
SEA COWS BAY, Tortola, VI- While thousands of residents throughout the Virgin Islands (VI) and the US Virgin Islands were very disappointed and upset that there were no horse races at Ellis Thomas Downs on August Tuesday 6, 2024, especially as we featured 70 years of festival, the day was still celebrated.
Horse races Out! Cultural Event In! August Tuesday @ Ellis Thomas Downs
SEA COWS BAY, Tortola, VI- The land negotiations between the Government of the Virgin Islands and the Thomas family have stalled for almost a year. Therefore, missing from the 70th Anniversary Emancipation celebrations would be the traditional August Tuesday races, which would have taken place on August 6, 2024.
Thomas family in no active land negotiations despite Premier’s claims- Thomas-Griffith
CHARLOTTE AMALIE, St Thomas, USVI– Daughter of the late Ellis Thomas, Mrs Elaine M. Thomas-Griffith has blasted Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) as peddling untruths that his Government is in active negotiations with the family for the use of the land at Ellis Thomas Downs.
Thomas family will 'not be manipulated' by VI Gov’t- Elaine M. Thomas-Griffith
CHARLOTTE AMALIE, ST Thomas, USVI – Elaine M. Thomas-Griffith, the daughter of the late Ellis Thomas, has taken to the media over the issues surrounding Ellis Thomas Downs in Sea Cows Bay and its stalled negotiations with the [British] Virgin Islands Government for use of the land.
Storeroom destroyed by fire @ Ellis Thomas Downs
SEA COWS BAY, Tortola, VI- Word reaching our news centre is that sometime between 5:00 AM and 6:00 AM today, Sunday, April 21, 2024, there was a small fire reported close to the quarantine stables at Ellis Thomas Downs in Sea Cows Bay.
Ellis Thomas Downs gets partial cleanup; Still no decision on August races
SEA COWS BAY, Tortola, VI- The only horse race track in the Territory, Ellis Thomas Downs located in Sea Cows Bay on the main island of Tortola, has gotten a partial cleanup.
Hon Walwyn accuses Premier of lying about Ellis Thomas Downs contract
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Six District Representative in the Virgin Islands (VI) House of Assembly, Hon Myron V. Walwyn (R6) has accused Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) of lacking the skills to negotiate a racetrack contract connected to the Ellis Thomas Downs, yet wanting to negotiate with the UK Government on major matters in the VI.
No Boxing Day Races @ Ellis Downs; No sign of dispute being resolved!
SEA COWS BAY, Tortola, VI - Today Tuesday, December 26, 2023, is ‘Boxing Day’ and a public holiday in the Virgin Islands and one of the highlights for many years is race day at Ellis Thomas Downs located in Sea Cows Bay on the main Island of Tortola.
Racetrack land lease still unresolved; No horse races for 70th anniversary celebration
SEA COWS BAY, Tortola, VI- The last race day at Ellis Thomas Downs was August Tuesday of 2022. Since then Ellis Thomas Downs has laid barren. Many horse owners have either had to let their horses out of the stables to pasture, send them to other Caribbean Islands, or find creative ways to keep feeding them.

