STX Track Back on Track Promoter’s Deal on Table

M.A. Dworkin

St. Croix - After years of false promises, excuses, and a series of frustrating legal moves that amounted to kicking the can down the road, Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. has taken over the reins and decided it’s high time to lay down a $5 million bet, run his horse along the inside rail, and ride Randall Doc James Racetrack home to the winner’s circle.   

In an effort to break the cycle of delays and restore Horse Racing on St. Croix, the Governor has announced his Administration’s strong support for a legislative proposal that would authorize the use of $5 million in available funding through the Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation in order to jumpstart renovations at Doc’s Track. 

The word circulating around certain Government House circles is that there is a deal on the table with an interested party willing to take over further development of the Randall Doc James Racetrack and build it into the kind of racing facility the people of St. Croix have been deprived of for far too long.

The $5 million authorization would allow the Administration to begin immediate repairs to the racetrack’s running surface and paddock area. These are essential upgrades needed to safely restart horse racing on the island and breathe new life into a tradition that has been stalled by VIGL’s total abandonment of the project earlier this year.  

According to a member of the Flamboyant Park Horsemen Association, there is still a good deal of work to be done on the stables, which VIGL began and left unfinished, including extensive electrical work and repairs on the roof. 

A new promoter would be responsible for building the grandstands, a clubhouse and other outbuildings. Of course the main inducement for any promoter to present quality races with substantial purses, would be installing gambling facilities, in the way of slot machines and an off-track betting parlor.

“For too long the people of St. Croix have been waiting to hear the sound of hooves pounding once again at the Randall Doc James Racetrack,” the Governor stated. “Horse racing was slowed by negotiations and agreements that did not deliver what had been expected. That reality left the industry in limbo, the track idle, and the community understandably frustrated. This Administration is committed to breaking that cycle of delays. By supporting this measure, we are making clear that we are ready to act. Horse racing is not just a sport on St. Croix. It is a tradition, a livelihood, and a source of pride for our community.”

In 2016, agreements were rushed forward that were supposed to deliver modern racetrack facilities and possibly new investments into adjoining properties. Instead, those contracts became mired in legal and island-to-island territory disputes and left St. Croix without racing for nearly a decade. Gov. Bryan emphasized that his Administration has worked from the beginning to move past that period of uncertainty and chart a path forward. 

“Resolving the challenges created in past years has not been easy,” Bryan said. “Leadership is about taking responsibility and driving solutions. By identifying available funds, placing this proposal before the Legislature, and making clear that we are ready to move, we are demonstrating that this Administration is determined to restore horse racing. Horsemen, trainers, owners, and fans deserve more than words. They deserve action.”

Commissioner Vincent Roberts of Sports, Parks and Recreation said his department is prepared to begin work immediately once the measure is approved. 

“This authorization will allow us to address the most urgent needs, making the racetrack surface safe and functional and bringing the paddock up to standard,” Commissioner Roberts said. “It is the first step in restoring an industry that has deep cultural and economic significance for St. Croix and the Virgin Islands.”

Governor Bryan underscored that the initiative is about more than repairing a racetrack. It is about restoring faith. 

“We know the horse racing community has grown frustrated by years of promises without progress,” the Governor said. “This measure is proof that we are serious about delivering results. By moving forward and investing in the future, we are signaling that horse racing will return to St. Croix. This is not talk. This is action.”

The Bryan-Roach Administration urged the Legislature to approve the measure when it comes up for a vote on October 7, 2025, so work can begin without delay.