Separate Contract for St. Croix Track Allows it to Proceed Independently of St. Thomas Track; Both Districts will Operate Under Unified Territorial Horse Racing System and Commission
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Governor Albert Bryan Jr. signed an agreement on Wednesday, June 2, between the Government of the Virgin Islands (GVI) and VIGL Operations, LLC that will allow reconstruction of the Randall “Doc” James Racetrack on St. Croix to begin immediately while negotiations between the GVI and Southland Gaming continue over the operation of the Clinton E. Phipps Racetrack on St. Thomas.
The Governor said the agreement for the Doc James Racetrack has been separated from the original agreement to manage both tracks so work on the St. Croix facility can begin as quickly as possible; however, both tracks will operate separately under a unified horse racing system and a territorial racing commission.
“What we did was, we bifurcated the agreement, which the agreement allows the Governor of the Virgin Islands to do, splitting the same arrangements into two pieces,” Governor Bryan said. “So we can move forward with VIGL on the St. Croix track with all of the requirements that were set there before.”
The agreement also sets out an outline of specific permits that are needed to activate the contract, the Governor said. VIGL already has a number of those permits in place, according to VIGL CEO Lance Griffith.
During the press conference at Government House in Christiansted, Governor Bryan said St. Croix residents should expect to see construction activity at the track in the next 60 days, and Mr. Griffith gave a broad timeline of 18-24 months for the St. Croix track to be completed.
“I’d like to thank the Governor and his staff for all the hard work that’s gone into this amendment and what it means to allow us to continue the path forward in horse racing and also the development of St. Croix,” Mr. Griffith said. “We look forward to moving forward expeditiously and we look forward to really starting an industry in the U.S. Virgin Islands.”
“The reality of today’s supply chain is totally different than what it was 12 months ago, so we’re trying to get a good understanding of that,” Mr. Griffith said. “Along with all the projects the Governor has going on in the Virgin Islands right now with all the large construction companies, they’re pretty busy.”
Governor Bryan said in order to complete the construction, the GVI will need the cooperation of the horse owners, who will have to vacate the track for a set amount of time to make room for repairs to the barns, construction material that will be coming in to the site and heavy construction equipment.
Under the terms of the new agreement, VIGL would have oversight of all track operations, as well as exclusive administration of live racing, pari-mutuel betting, simulcast wagering and other electronic wagering at the Doc James track.
Governor Bryan also clarified a public misconception about a lease agreement for the horse racing facilities in each district.
“There was never a lease. There was a use agreement signed by the Government of the Virgin Islands and VIGL in order to allow them to have control of the track. In order for them to start construction, that will have to happen once again,” the Governor said. “Until we have an effectuated lease from property and procurement that will not be finalized. That’s a part of the major agreement, and we need to get some of these permits in place in order for it to be done.”
Regarding the Clinton E. Phipps Racetrack on St. Thomas, Governor Bryan said the GVI is very close to a signing a non-binding agreement with Southland Gaming about management of that facility. The GVI and Southland Gaming are involved in a pending lawsuit regarding having slot machines and video lottery terminals, also known as a “racino,” at the St. Thomas track.
Portions of the non-binding agreement also would have to be ratified by the Legislature, Governor Bryan pointed out.
Although both tracks would operate under individual agreements with the GVI, they be governed by a unified horse racing system under a singly territorial horse racing commission.
“We won’t have competing race days, we’ll have purses that look alike and we’ll have enough races on the Territory,” Governor Bryan said. “Of course, Mr. Jason Williams who is the manager of that will be controlling all that and making sure that we have seamless horse racing and one racing system. One racing commission.”
Governor Bryan also thanked VIGL for the company’s persistence and commitment to redeveloping the horse racing industry in the Territory.
“I really want to emphasize to the public how much of a commitment that this company and this gentleman has to the Virgin Islands and the racing community,” the Governor said. “All of the stuff that was done before was done without a contract essentially, in good faith. They expanded the track; they got the sand in in order to re-lay the track. So thank you. We look forward to having horse racing on the Virgin Islands in the near future.”
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