I sent the following letter to former Premier Ralph O’Neal in February 2008 and to Premier Dr. Orlando Smith in 2011. Unfortunately, however, the sport of horse racing continues to struggle.
Dear Premier:
I write this letter to bring your attention to the gravity of one of our most popular sports in the territory. Horse racing has faced numerous challenges throughout its history in the Virgin Islands. Some have been met with success while others have not. Hence our declining position in a very competitive sports and entertainment marketplace.
In the late 1990s, with a racing surface not suitable for races and with public backing, you gave the green light to improve the race track in Sea Cows Bay through a stateside company. The outcome is a sporting facility that makes all Virgin Islanders beam with pride. Today, however, horse racing is on life support and needs immediate attention.
With a multimillion-dollar industry at stake, decision makers must evaluate the current situation, adapt to ever-changing industry needs, and plan for the future.
Acrimony
Aside from government, the principal investors in this sport are horse owners and racetrack operators.
As we have learned from the past, so-called allies working against each other have been a setback for the sport. In the circumstances, I have carefully analysed the existing situation in the sport, not only from the perspective of the owners but from the perspective of fans and the rest of the industry. A number of key initiatives have been identified from the flawed model currently in use, and they need addressing if this sport is to be revived.
Aside from the traditional Easter Sunday, August Tuesday, Boxing Day and sporadic inter-island races, sustained activity is infrequent. As a result, government is required to assist with monetary bailouts. Fans’ interest is at the core of this mission to improve the economics and pleasure of the sport on behalf of the entire community, especially the village where the track is located.
Recommendations
Hence, I recommend the following measures:
• A breeding programme must be established and implemented forthwith, replacing the method we currently use of purchasing horses sporadically.
• To accomplish this step, a flat piece of unused land in Paraquita Bay or an alternative site is needed since the equine industry is agriculture-related.
• A number of mares and stallions would have to be purchased to jumpstart this programme.
• A small staff with an office should be established to coordinate with government on proper accountability and related matters.
• A racing commission should be established as a government body to implement, amend and adopt rules that govern the sport and facility.
• Uniform rules should be adopted to govern medication and post-race testing, thus emphasising the integrity of the sport and the health of the horses.
• A programme should be designed that includes a marketing strategy and a collective effort to bring new horse owners into the sport. The cost of the programme could be offset by the breeding and sale of horses.
Attention needed
The complex and challenging issues that face the sport need urgent attention as a matter of national interest. The decisions we make are often difficult, be we always believe that they are in the best interest of our people, who make this great sport possible.
With other colleagues, I look forward to a discussion to explain the foregoing and related matters with an eye toward what we can accomplish working together as opposed to the alternative.
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