Neural Network wins feature as Ghostinyou and
Neural Network, ridden by Winston Hurst Jr., won the feature Lieutenant Governor’s Cup at Clinton E. Phipps Sr Racetrack on St Thomas on July 5, 2026, after two Virgin Islands contenders—Ghostinyou and Fighting Back—were scratched. According to Virgin Islands News Online (VINO), the Open Handicap over 1 mile and 1/16 carried a $20,000 purse and marked the third win of the day for jockey Winston Hurst Jr. The race day had originally promised strong Virgin Islands representation, including 2024 Governor’s Cup champion Ghostinyou and Anegada-owned Fighting Back, but both were later withdrawn for reasons not yet disclosed, VINO reports.
Phipps Sr Racetrack on St Thomas began as a much-anticipated meeting for Virgin Islands racing fans, with two standout territory runners pencilled into the feature. Ghostinyou of Tortola, the 2024 Governor's Cup champion owned by Top Priority Racing Stables, and Fighting Back of Anegada, owned by Kenny Francis, were set to headline the Open Handicap feature from 5:00 PM, part of an eight-race card that kicked off at 1:00 PM, Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) reported in previews earlier in the day.
Organisers had promoted the meeting as family day at the track, with entertainment, children’s activities and a popular hat contest, remarks attributed to Southland Gaming Virgin Islands Chief Operating Officer Shaine A. The compact schedule allowed spectators to enjoy a full afternoon and early evening of racing, with the card closing at 5:45 PM.
However, the feature did not go ahead as originally expected for Virgin Islands connections. VINO later reported that Ghostinyou and Fighting Back were scratched from the Lieutenant Governor’s Cup. It was not immediately clear why the two local entries were withdrawn; VINO said more details would follow.
Their late scratches altered the complexion of the race and disappointed many BVI supporters who had planned to follow or attend the contest. With the Virgin Islands runners out of contention, Neural Network, ridden by Winston Hurst Jr., took advantage and captured the feature, winning the Lieutenant Governor’s Cup and claiming the $20,000 purse.
The Open Handicap was contested over 1 mile and 1/16 and included Grand Tower, Feel the Magic and Ice Road among the runners, VINO reported. The victory was the third of the day for jockey Winston Hurst Jr., who enjoyed a strong card overall. Top Priority Racing Stables still featured on the card with other runners, and local jockey Lasor Sharp of Tortola rode in the closing race for the stable, seeking to continue BVI representation on the island circuit.
The final race at 5:45 PM featured rivals Valued Cajon, Mundo Mix, Sound of the Beast and Carico, and the event provided several opportunities for BVI riders and trainers active in neighbouring circuits. BVI Live will continue to monitor developments and report any further information about the scratches of Ghostinyou and Fighting Back, as well as additional results and performances by BVI connections.
Residents planning to attend future meetings should confirm local start times and entry arrangements with event officials, as schedules and line-ups can change on short notice, VINO advises.
Primary source: VINO