Highly Noted in the winner's circle after storming to victory in the the Clinton Phipps Cup Classic at the Carnival Races in St Thomas, US Virgin Islands on May 2, 2025. Photo: VINO

Highly Noted with jockey Winston Hurst Jr at Clinton E. Phipps Racetrack on May 2, 2025. Photo: VINO

The owner of Highly Noted, Lesmore Smith, right, is interviewed following the winning run of his new horse. Photo: VINO

Highly Noted and jockey Winston Hurst Jr are led on the track by handler Jevaughn J. Parsons aka 'JJ' on May 2, 2025. Photo: VINO

The members of Top Priority Racing Stables at the St Thomas Carnival Races on May 2, 2025. Photo: VINO

Virgin Islands Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) and US Virgin Islands Governor Albert A. Bryan Jr at the St Thomas Carnival Races at Clinton E. Phipps Racetrack on May 2, 2025. Photo: VINO

A section of the large crowd at the St Thomas Carnival Races at Clinton E. Phipps Racetrack on May 2, 2025. Photo: VINO

One of the latest purchases of VI's horseracing icon Lesmore Smith, Highly Noted won the second race of the day, the Clinton Phipps Cup Classic, run over 7 ½ furlongs and involving Class C&D horses.

Highly Noted pushed the pace early and did well to withstand a late surge by Cemile to take the top purse of $13,000.

The winning jockey was Winston Hurst Jr.

Cecile had to settle for second while Gege Conquest took third. Race favourite Zaga finished 4th while Brooklyn Dreams trotted in 5th.

Protector was scratched.

Highly Noted ‘has class’

The win for Highly Noted of Top Priority Racing Stables, owned by Lesmore Smith, ensured there was no shutout for the Virgin Islands on race day. In the end, it was the only win for the VI as Ghostinyou and Risk vs Reward- all owned by Mr Smith- were defeated in their respective races.

Mr Smith told Virgin Islands News Online he had confidence his new horse would come through for him, despite not achieving success in December.

“Highly Noted, he was purchased just before the last race we ran. He ran in that race, but he didn't do as good as today. We continued training, and we knew he would be better today. And he came out and he showed that he has class, and we won the race.”

Asked if it was always the plan to attack the race from the get-go, Mr Smith said: “From the gate. Go, and if they're gonna beat you, let them beat you.”

Highly Noted will once again carry the flag of Virgin Islands horseracing pride when he competes in the next horse racing card slated for early July 2025, at Clinton E. Phipps Racetrack.