U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS—Governor Albert Bryan Jr. announced today that the Government of the Virgin Islands has successfully regained legal control of the Randall “Doc” James Racetrack on St. Croix, following an agreement with VIGL Operations, LLC. This milestone allows the Government to move forward with a renewed vision for the redevelopment of the racetrack, ensuring that horse racing—an integral part of the territory’s cultural and economic fabric—returns sustainably and successfully.
“For nearly a decade, the people of St. Croix have been anticipating the redevelopment of Randall ‘Doc’ James Racetrack,” said Governor Albert Bryan Jr. during today’s Government House weekly press briefing. “The contract governing this project was executed in 2016 under the previous administration. Since taking office in 2019, my administration has been committed to finding solutions that would advance this project while ensuring the best possible outcome for the people of the Virgin Islands.”
As part of these efforts, the Government and VIGL Operations, LLC have worked collaboratively to reach a resolution that provides a clear path forward. The agreement mutually concludes the existing contract, placing full legal authority for the racetrack’s redevelopment in the hands of the Government and allowing for a fresh, strategic approach to bringing horse racing back to St. Croix.
“This agreement presents a valuable opportunity to reassess and refocus our efforts on delivering a racetrack that meets the needs and expectations of our community,” Governor Bryan stated. “Our goal has always been to ensure that horse racing thrives in a way that honors our deep-rooted history in the sport while also contributing to economic growth.”
The Randall “Doc” James Racetrack has been cherished for generations, representing sporting excellence and cultural tradition. With this new framework, the administration can explore new partnerships and solutions to facilitate meaningful and lasting progress.
“I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the people of St. Croix for their patience and unwavering support for this project,” Governor Bryan added. “We are committed to moving forward responsibly and efficiently, with a clear focus on delivering results. In the coming weeks, we will provide more details on the next steps in this process.”
With this agreement finalized, the Government will begin evaluating redevelopment options immediately, working to ensure that horse racing returns to St. Croix in a manner that is both viable and beneficial to the community.
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