The crowd was roaring and on its feet Sunday for the Independence Day Races at the newly reconstructed Clinton E. Phipps Racetrack on St. Thomas as “Pure Speight” won the prized Lieutenant Governor’s Cup — the largest purse of the day at $30,000.
The races, in honor of the St. John Celebration taking place this week, marked the second big event for the track since its reopening and the St. Thomas Carnival races in May.
St. Croix jockey Kevin Krigger rode “Pure Speight” to the win — running the 1 1/16th mile featured race in 1 minute, 46 seconds and coming in many lengths ahead of the competitors, with “Ghost In You” placing second, followed by “Run the Trail” and “Espectro.”
As the horses came into the stretch, the sound of loud cheering combined with thundering hooves. The winner’s circle was filled with raised voices as the horsemen from St. Croix wished for a track like Clinton E. Phipps on their island. Both the St. Thomas track and the Randall “Doc” James Racetrack on St. Croix ceased operations due to damage brought on by hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017, and the big island has yet to see racing resume.
Hundreds of adults and children alike filled the new grandstand, including Sherell Smith, who was enjoying the races with her family. “The track is such a good time with family and friends; we missed it, but now it’s even better,” she said.
Shaine Gaspard, chief operating officer of Southland Gaming, said additional upgrades are in process. Looking across the racetrack, he said construction of an “isolation barn” is underway for horses that travel from Tortola as temporary imports. “There will be a pony barn and renovation of the stables,” he added.
Southland owners and operators of video lottery terminals on St. Thomas and St. John have worked alongside the government to promote horse racing and other entertainment features at Clinton-Phipps.
The new grandstand seating constructed by Southland Gaming is three times the original size and elevated for optimum views. Gaspard pointed to a large roof and said, “We are able to collect water in the cisterns and also divert the run-off from the track.” He also said that the original track, built more than 30 years ago, did a great job of managing the water. It was built back then to avoid track flooding.
Gaspard said the new stadium would also be used for concerts and events in addition to horse racing. “The conduits have been wired for bands, and the sound system will move the sound away from horses during races,” he said.
The day was not without its surprises when jockey Winston Hills had to jump off his horse, “Come on Venezuela,” in the fifth race of the day when it took a bad step on the first turn. The riderless horse finished the race and then completed another lap around the track before it was corralled. An announcement over the loudspeaker confirmed that Hills was OK and would ride in the next race. “Barrio San Jose,” a St. Thomas horse, won the six-furlong race with a purse of $15,000, and “Risk Vs. Reward” from Tortola crossed the finish line to come in second side-by-side with “Come On Venezuela.”
Track veterinarian Dr. Molly Muedeking hailed the event as “a great day,” adding, “Everyone was safe.”
St. John At-Large Sen. Angel Bolques stood above the winner’s circle and smiled. “This is Virgin Islands entertainment, a place for families to come together,” he said, adding that the new grandstand is a much-appreciated facility, including its ADA access for patrons with disabilities.
Other feature starts on Sunday included:
The first race of the day, which saw “Jada Esco” of St. Croix winning the six-furlong feature for native horses in its debut.
Jockey Winston Hurst Jr. brought “First Degree” across the finish line in the second race before riding “Bingo Star” to victory in the fourth race. It was “First Degree’s” first win.
Also, debuting was “Axxerator” in the third race, a one-mile feature for Class C and D horses. Jockey Kenneth Pilot pulled ahead to beat “Trisomia” by a nose for a purse of $11,500.
The final race, Love City Classic, saw “Macuco’s Choice” ridden to victory by Joshua Rodriguez for a purse of $18,750. The horse is owned by St. Thomas’ Black Label Racing.
