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New starting gate being sought for Ellis Thomas Downs

- VI Horse Owners' Association borrowing starting gate from St Thomas Horse Racing Association for this weekend's race card
This news site was informed that the VI Horse Owners’ Association headed by Mrs Patsy C. Lake was in the process of ordering a new starting gate. Photo: VINO/File
President of the Virgin Islands Horse Owners' Association Mrs Patsy C. Lake. Photo: VINO/File
President of the Virgin Islands Horse Owners' Association Mrs Patsy C. Lake. Photo: VINO/File
Ms Lake explained that because of the recent incidents at the gate where horses left when they were not supposed to, a new gate is something that is needed. Photo: VINO/File
Ms Lake explained that because of the recent incidents at the gate where horses left when they were not supposed to, a new gate is something that is needed. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – New President of the Virgin Islands Horse Owners’ Association Mrs Patsy C. Lake has disclosed that even though the VI Classic horse racing meet is scheduled for this Sunday January 17, 2016, the entire sum for the purses has not been secured.

Speaking with this news site in an exclusive interview today January 13, 2016, Lake said the money is expected to be raised from gate receipts and sponsorship. The total prize money for the day’s races is $57,800.

However she confirmed that not all of the funds have come in yet from the sponsors. “No. [Everything is not in as yet],” she said.

The VI Classic to be held at Ellis Thomas Downs in Sea Cows Bay, Tortola, Virgin Islands features seven races, the main feature being race five, a one mile for Class A horses, and it features My Pal Shawn owned by Family Affair Stables, St Moose of St Croix owned by James Bates, Pumped Up Kicks of St Thomas owned by Brother’s Stable, Giant Valley of St Thomas owned by Dem Man Stables, Suspicious U making its debut from St Croix and owned by Benny Blanco, and Bellamy Chief making its debut and owned by Top Priority Racing Stables.

New gate in the making?

This news site was informed that the VI Horse Owners’ Association headed by Mrs Lake was in the process of ordering a new starting gate.

However, when asked about this, Mrs Lake responded, “We haven’t ordered a gate. We would like to order one. I am hoping that the Minister would get around to that as soon as the Minister is able to source one.”

She explained that because of the recent incidents at the gate where horses left when they were not supposed to, a new gate is something that is needed. “We have been having a lot of hiccups with our gate…at one time it is flying perfectly and at another time it is not. I didn’t want to have [any issues] with it for this race given the size of the purses and we may have to be compensating horses that may encounter problems with the gate,” she said.

“For now St Thomas [USVI] has allowed us to use theirs until we can source one,” she said.

Races begin 12:30 pm sharp and they will be on time, the Association said, adding that entertainment will be provided by VIBE, Ritical and DJ Push Pop.

12 Responses to “New starting gate being sought for Ellis Thomas Downs”

  • just saying.. (13/01/2016, 17:07) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    You doing a good job ms lake
    • HMPH (aka SoCal Comantatar) (13/01/2016, 17:45) Like (2) Dislike (6) Reply
      Racin ain't goin start on time - no way mah sohn

      And why de monster orders new gate - he ain't buyin me new tires
    • the rock (14/01/2016, 06:43) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      there u go, a president who is up to the challenge, mrs lake just make sure the gate money is accounted for, its going to be millions, my pal shawn says he don't need no pal other than the family affairs stable, st moose put on your running shoes cause pals shoes are already on, just waiting for the break!
  • BuzzBvi (13/01/2016, 18:15) Like (6) Dislike (5) Reply
    Need a new gate at my house too Mr Minister. And permission to build what I want, when I want and where I want.
    Thanks in advance!
  • Anonymous (13/01/2016, 18:57) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    Great start ms.Lake, it is encouraging of the steps you are taking in this short time. You are right person who will enhance this great sport of our national past time.Keep the faith good things is going to happen.
  • W*F (13/01/2016, 19:23) Like (0) Dislike (4) Reply
    seems like the race track going bankrupt Ms. P LOL
    • cay (13/01/2016, 21:31) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      Life is full of things that are grossly unfair, but this isn't one of them she speeding her own money
  • How About (13/01/2016, 20:52) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
    How about making this race track self sustaining from begging government all the time? How about there be some accountability as to revenues received at the various gates? How about we are informed as to the total number of sponsorships that businesses have donated for these races? How about an annual reporting on this track in terms of costs and revenues for the public to see? How about we get this right, once and for all?
    We are waiting and watching.
  • good news (14/01/2016, 11:28) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    What new gate??? Them using St.Thomas gate for Sunday Races...lol lol lol Thing to talk...
  • wise one (14/01/2016, 14:22) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Good News what is your point? No one said there will be a new gate for Sunday's races, can't you read or your don't take your time to read and understand what you read? It is clearly stated that a NEW GATE will be bought, but in the mean time they will be using St Thomas gate on Sunday.
  • wize up (14/01/2016, 15:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    are they off and running!!!
  • Waiting (14/01/2016, 21:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Not going. They need that new gate badly. But too many broken legs and dead horses. Other problems too. Love those races but no.


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