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Tortola stables in shambles, Letty Hodge reveals

The stables at the Downs need to be upgraded, according to Mrs. Hodge. Photo: VINO/File
Mrs. Hodge being interviewed by reporters on the racetrack June 3, 2012. Photo: VINO/File
Mrs. Hodge being interviewed by reporters on the racetrack June 3, 2012. Photo: VINO/File
SEA COWS BAY, Tortola, VI – She is considered the queen of the racetrack and on June 2, 2012, horse owner Letty Hodge urged Government officials to pay more attention to the stables that are located at Ellis Thomas Downs race track because “without the horses there can be no horseracing”.

Candidly speaking at a party at the Downs, the co-owner of L&B Stables said she has heard of all the plans to improve the facility but pointed out that the cart can’t go before the horse.

“Everything is for the fans but you have to look out for the horses. My thing is you have stables out there...electricity that is falling apart, anything could happen and the stables could blow up, burn down and you spend thousands of dollars on other things,” she disclosed in the presence of Minister for Education and Culture Hon. Myron Walwyn and At Large Representative Hon. Archibald Christian.

The former president of the VI Horse Owners’ Association added, “You want fans and you have fans I agree but without horseracing and horses you can’t have any fans. My main concern is not for vendors, it is for the horses in the stables. When it rains stables are flooded out, no one is concerned about that ...just the pretty thing here for horseracing. However, my number one priority is not on the track but where the horses are. I am not only looking out for my horses alone!”

She vowed to continue to take a stand, and pointed out that she has been part of the sport since childhood.

Mrs. Hodge’s stables have churned some of the best horses in the Territory including Actspectation and the current speed demon Really Uptown. She was also recognised for her contributions over the years in St. Thomas during a meet earlier in the year.

14 Responses to “Tortola stables in shambles, Letty Hodge reveals”

  • critic (06/06/2012, 07:37) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    man ayo got free stables, free water, free electricity and free track......time for ayo to pitch in and help ayo selves
    • X (06/06/2012, 08:07) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      hush you backside do you know how much it cost to care for a horse?????
      • Hmmm (06/06/2012, 08:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        X...if it costs that much dont buy the friggin horse!!!! are you kidding me? Critic is right, free water, stables etc and you cant contribute? But you can spend serious money to get your horse (and collect serious money when he wins I might add!)
        • - (06/06/2012, 10:05) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          You all people sick. Let’s try and promote the sports and Letty is correct government need to up-keep the stables and the track in general. This weak argument about what is free and what is not is just so backwards and unnecessary. The horse owners done make so much sacrifices to keep the sports alive so that must be respected. Letty we agree with you 100%!
      • CeCe (06/06/2012, 14:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        So, if you cannot afford to take care of a horse, you leave the game alone
  • fmp (06/06/2012, 10:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Fix up ayo own stables. Does any of the proceeds you make go to the Government Treasury? I doubt it; so horseowners fix up ayo stable ayo self. Government nah obligated to fix it for you.
    • lost (06/06/2012, 11:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Protect our investment that is Ms. Hodge point and its a great one....you haters just Gimme ah break
  • sea weed (06/06/2012, 10:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Horse racing is not a poor man's sport..you must have money to hjave a horse.
  • DONT LOOK DOWN ON A MAN UNLESS U GOIN PICK HIM UP (06/06/2012, 11:15) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    TOLA, DONT LOOK DOWN ON A MAN UNLESS U GOIN TOO PICK HIM-HER UP. STICK TO DA POINT,HORSE STABLES
  • Crank Shaft (06/06/2012, 13:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Tell the liberator fix them lol
  • LOL (06/06/2012, 14:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why in this country everyone expect the Government do and pay for everything? You all bitch hospital not finish yet want money spent on everything. The stables should be a self supporting private enterprise, let them raise funds and keep it in good order, if you cant afford to pay for your horse then don't buy one. You think other places the country pay for stables and get nothing back?
    • facts man (06/06/2012, 18:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Repairing the stables is also about the Ethical Treatment of Animals-the race horses so government should take this seriously and fix the damm stables from blaming the poor horse owners who already in debt to keep the sports alive...


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