Horsemen provide recommendations and reach consensus with key parties after legislators decline opportunity to submit substantive written comments
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Governor Albert Bryan Jr. met Friday at Government House on St. Croix with the presidents of the Territory’s horsemen associations, representatives of the Virgin Islands Horse Racing Commission, and Southland Gaming of the Virgin Islands to further refine the proposed agreement governing horse racing on St. Croix and St. Thomas.
The agreement, announced and transmitted to the 36th Legislature on April 28, 2026, would provide for the rebuilding and operation of the Randall “Doc” James Racetrack on St. Croix and the continued promotion and operation of horse racing at the Clinton E. Phipps Racetrack on St. Thomas.
After concerns were publicly raised by horsemen and some senators, Governor Bryan made a good-faith effort to ensure all stakeholders had a meaningful opportunity to influence the proposal before legislative consideration. The Governor invited the horsemen associations, members of the Legislature and other stakeholders to submit specific concerns in writing by June 5.
Both Flamboyant Park Horsemen Association President Elroy Bates and St. Thomas-St. John Horsemen Association President Clinton Hedrington submitted written responses. No member of the 36th Legislature submitted substantive written comments by the deadline.
Governor Bryan convened Friday’s meeting in the spirit of cooperation and transperancy, to continue direct negotiations among the parties responsible for implementing and regulating horse racing in the Territory. Participants reviewed the horsemen’s recommendations, discussed possible revisions and reached consensus on several provisions of the proposed agreement.
“The meeting was very productive, and I am encouraged that the parties were able to reach consensus on several important issues,” Governor Bryan said. “That progress brings us closer to an agreement that can earn broad stakeholder support and provide a responsible path forward for horse racing in the Virgin Islands.”
The Bryan-Roach Administration will continue working with the horsemen associations, the Horse Racing Commission and Southland Gaming of the Virgin Islands to incorporate the areas of consensus into the agreement before it returns to the Legislature for consideration.
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