Updated proposal incorporates concerns raised by horsemen, Southland Gaming and lawmakers while advancing a territorial framework for racing on St. Croix and St. Thomas
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has submitted a revised horse racing agreement to the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands, advancing a plan to rebuild the Randall “Doc” James Racetrack on St. Croix, support the operation of the Clinton E. Phipps Racetrack on St. Thomas and restore an important cultural institution that can provide positive opportunities for young people across the Territory.
Governor Bryan said the effort is about more than rebuilding a facility. It is also about creating constructive outlets for youth and young men, connecting them with mentors and giving them opportunities to learn discipline, responsibility and the value of hard work.
“One of the strongest reasons for moving this agreement forward is the opportunity horse racing creates for our young people,” Governor Bryan said. “Bringing horse racing back gives them something productive to belong to and another path to stay engaged, focused and off the streets. And it is what our people want and have been demanding.’
The revised agreement reflects considerations developed through two rounds of follow-up discussions with Southland Gaming of the Virgin Islands, and the presidents of both the Flamboyant Park Horsemen Association and St. Thomas-St. John Horsemen Associations. It also incorporates feedback shared during a subsequent meeting with members of the 36th Legislature.
Among the changes, the revised agreement requires Southland Gaming to remain the promoter of horse racing for a minimum of five years, as requested by the horsemen. It also removes the proposed full exemption from gross receipts taxes for entertainment activities conducted at the racetracks.
The revised agreement further doubles the contribution to the St. Thomas-St. John Horsemen Association from 3% to 6% of revenue generated by the racino at the Clinton E. Phipps Racetrack.
“These are meaningful revisions that directly respond to the concerns raised during our discussions,” Governor Bryan said. “We listened to the horsemen, worked with Southland Gaming and considered the feedback of the Legislature. The result is a stronger and more balanced agreement.”
The original agreement was announced and transmitted to the Legislature on April 28, 2026. It proposed the rebuilding and operation of the Randall “Doc” James Racetrack and a unified framework supporting horse racing at both that facility and the Clinton E. Phipps Racetrack.
After concerns were raised, Governor Bryan invited the Territory’s horsemen associations, members of the Legislature and other stakeholders to submit specific objections and proposed revisions.
The governor then convened a stakeholder meeting June 12 at Government House on St. Croix with the presidents of both horsemen associations, representatives of the Virgin Islands Horse Racing Commission and Southland Gaming. The parties reviewed the concerns, discussed proposed changes and reached consensus on several provisions.
Additional discussions were held with Southland Gaming and the horsemen association presidents to further refine the agreement.
Governor Bryan and Lieutenant Governor Tregenza A. Roach later met with members of the 36th Legislature on June 25 at Government House on St. Thomas. Lawmakers reviewed the proposal and offered additional feedback that helped shape the revised version now before the Senate.
“This process was about building greater consensus and giving the Legislature a stronger measure to consider,” Governor Bryan said.
Governor Bryan has contacted Senate President Milton E. Potter, who agreed that the Legislature would take up the revised measure in mid-July.
The governor said timely legislative consideration is necessary to maintain momentum, begin the rebuilding process on St. Croix and restore the community benefits lost during the racetrack’s prolonged closure.
The proposal is intended to create a more stable foundation for horse racing, increase opportunities for horse owners, trainers, jockeys, vendors and other participants, and preserve a cultural tradition with deep roots in both districts.
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