The September 18, 2022, horse races are definitely off, says President of the VI Horse Owners Association Mr Lesmore Smith. Photo: VINO/File

Despite the recent ban on the use of Ellis Thomas Downs by the Thomas family, there still exists the possibility that the horse races rescheduled to Sunday, September 18, 2022, could be run off at Ellis Thomas Downs in Sea Cows Bay. Photo: VINO/File

Horse racing fans have been told to keep in mind that horse racing is likely for Sunday, September 18, 2022. Photo: VINO/File

Mr Smith said he had tried to get permission for the use of the track from the person who is the legal authority for the Thomas family; however, since the Thomas family and Government were at a stalemate, permission could not be granted for use of the land under contention.

“I was hoping that since the horses were already here from St Thomas and we went through the process of asking the local vets to get the quarantine extended and that was given to us. So, I was asking can we, since the horses are still here, just a few days to go, she said unfortunately she cannot help us,” Smith said.

Fundraising funday

He explained that having informed all the stakeholders, a decision was taken to hold an event on Sunday September 18, 2022, to raise funds to cover some of the expenses of the horse owners, especially for feed.

“We are looking to have a nice funday to raise funds, not on the track but on the area where the stadium is, as that section is owned by the government. The VI Horse Owners Association is going to have the bar. We are going to have other people with the food concession, but we are going to have the bar. That’s the way we are going to make a few dollars to help the owners of the horses to at least get some feed for the horses because they depend on the purses to help maintain their horses and with no races they are losing big time.”

Mr Smith explained that among the entertainment will be a bikini competition and a large water sport section, inclusive of large slides.

“I am reliably told that Monday will be a holiday so we don’t have to worry about going to work the next day so persons can come out in their numbers and let's have a grand time,” Mr Smith said on September 13, 2022.

He also said that he has since had a conversation with the Rotary Club of Tortola to go ahead with the drawing of their Grand Raffle of $20,000 at the event.

Meanwhile, Virgin Islands News Online will be providing an exclusive article today, giving the Thomas family’s side of the story.

See previous article published September 13, 2022

The possibility of horse races this weekend ‘still exists’- Lesmore Smith

Despite the recent ban on the use of Ellis Thomas Downs by the Thomas family, there still exists the possibility that the horse races rescheduled to Sunday, September 18, 2022, could be run off at Ellis Thomas Downs in Sea Cows Bay.

This is according to the President of the VI Horse Owners Association, Mr Lesmore Smith.

“Based on my last information received the possibility still exists that it can happen. I am in dialogue with persons around the negotiating table and I was advised not to rule it out as yet,” Mr Smith told Virgin Islands News Online on September 12, 2022.

The Government of the Virgin Islands had advised the public via a press release on September 8, 2022, that “effective immediately and until further notice the portion of land at the Ellis Thomas Downs which is owned by Thomas family may not be utilised in any way by the Government, its agents and/or assigns. This includes the Horseowners’ Association, and any person connected thereto.”

The ban also meant that the horse races rescheduled for September 18, 2022, would have been in jeopardy.

‘The possibility still exists’- Lesmore Smith

The races were initially carded for September 4, 2022, but was postponed due to inclement weather.

“The possibility still exists, so I am asking our fans and the general public to still keep it in mind as races may still be on Sunday, God spare life. There are five races planned and we want them to come out and support us,” Mr Smith emphasised.

Mr Smith explained that the rescheduling of date was based on the weather, not on the negotiation that is now being held. “That came in after the fact, so we still hold that date.”

The VI Horse Owners Association President also noted that the four horses that came over for the races that were eventually postponed are still on Tortola.