Bryan signs agreement to start reconstruction of St. Croix horse track

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. signed an agreement on June 2, 2021, between the Virgin Islands government and VIGL Operations LLC allowing reconstruction of the Randall "Doc" James Racetrack on St. Croix to begin while negotiations continued over operations at the Clinton E. Phipps Racetrack on St. Thomas.

Government House said the St. Croix agreement was separated from the original arrangement covering both tracks so work on the Doc James facility could proceed independently. The administration said both tracks would operate under separate agreements but within a unified territorial horse-racing system and commission.

Under the agreement, VIGL would oversee track operations at the St. Croix facility, including live racing, pari-mutuel betting, simulcast wagering and other electronic wagering. The agreement also outlined permits needed to activate the contract, and VIGL said it already had several of them in place.

At a June 2 press conference in Christiansted, Bryan said residents should expect construction activity at the track within 60 days. VIGL CEO Lance Griffith said the St. Croix track was expected to take 18 to 24 months to complete.

Bryan said horse owners would need to vacate the track for a period to allow repairs to the barns and access for construction materials and heavy equipment.

On St. Thomas, Bryan said the government was close to signing a non-binding agreement with Southland Gaming on management of the Clinton E. Phipps Racetrack. Government House said the government and Southland Gaming were involved in pending litigation over slot machines and video lottery terminals at the St. Thomas track, and that portions of any non-binding agreement would require legislative ratification.

Bryan also said there was no finalized lease for the horse-racing facilities, describing the existing arrangement with VIGL as a use agreement pending an effectuated lease through Property and Procurement.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-bryan-announces-agreement-with-vigl-to-begin-reconstruction-of-randall-doc-james-horse-track/