Smith Urges New Site for BVI Racetrack
British Virgin Islands Horse Racing Association President Lesmore Smith has declared that Ellis Thomas Downs in Sea Cows Bay has outlived its time. The historic venue has remained closed since 2022, prompting calls for a new site to revitalize the sport in the Territory. Smith, who previously invested personal funds to restore the track after Hurricane Irma, believes a modern location is necessary for horse racing to thrive.
Lesmore Smith, President of the British Virgin Islands Horse Racing Association, has stated that the historic Ellis Thomas Downs racetrack in Sea Cows Bay has outlived its time and recommended that authorities and stakeholders search for a new location to host the sport. The facility, which has served as the traditional home of horse racing in the Territory for decades, has been closed since 2022.
The shutdown followed mounting logistical, infrastructural, and land-related challenges that have prevented the hosting of regular race meets and hindered the sport's development in recent years. Smith, who serves as the managing owner of Top Priority Security and Top Priority Racing Stables, is currently the Virgin Islands' only active horse owner.
Following the catastrophic passage of Hurricane Irma in September 2017, which flattened essential racing infrastructure across the grounds, Smith personally invested substantial private capital into repairing and revitalizing the track to bring competitive racing back to the community.
Despite those rebuilding efforts, maintaining operations at the Sea Cows Bay site has proven increasingly difficult. The venue has long faced unresolved property use issues and space limitations that restrict modern facility upgrades and spectator amenities. Horse racing has historically served as a major cultural staple in the British Virgin Islands, particularly during the annual August Emancipation Festival.
Races at Ellis Thomas Downs traditionally drew large crowds of local fans alongside visitors and competitors from the United States Virgin Islands, generating significant economic and community activity. Smith's call to identify a new site opens the door for discussions on building a purpose-built equestrian facility elsewhere in the Territory.
Advocates believe a fresh location could provide safer track conditions, improved stables, better parking, and modern spectator amenities, ensuring that the legacy of Virgin Islands horse racing continues for future generations.
Primary source: Virgin Islands Daily News (Website)