The Inside Rail

Gov Bryan Puts “Doc’s” Track on the Fast Track 

In the wake of VIGL’s stunning decision to pull out of the development of the Randall “Doc” James Racetrack, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has decided to pick-up the reins  on a years-long, convoluted and messy deal, clear the muddy track of any memory of VIGL’s broken promises, and see if he can ride home an even-odds winner that will finally bring the Sport of Kings back to the South Shore of St. Croix.     

In a recent press conference the Governor divulged the fact that he had recently met with the Flamboyant Park Horsemen Association and other racetrack stakeholders and decided their first objective was to bring in a professional that could assess the current condition of the track. 

“We need to get a professional down here to look at the track and at the surface. We are working on that now to see what kind of work it needs. The sand is there to be spread. If all goes well, our project says we will spread the sand and lay down a new surface,” the Governor stated.

From that assessment, his plan is to proceed in finishing up the refurbishing of the barns and shortly thereafter horse racing will commence at Randall Doc. 

Once they get the races off and running  they will implement plans to build-out the grandstands and other associated structures,  completing the transition that will make the Doc track a world-class venue where major events and shows will be held.  

“I have a couple of people running me down about investing in horse racing,” he admitted. “But once bitten, twice shy. Nevertheless, I am moving forward and holding conversations with them. But no matter what those outcomes, we are definitely moving full speed ahead with re-establishing racing on St. Croix.”  

Given all of this post-position posturing, the St. Croix Times hears that Southland Gaming, current operators of the St. Thomas track and a ton of gambling machines on STT, is still lined up at the starting gate, forever chomping at the bit to take over the STX track project, despite the fact they could be a long shot to get licensing.

But as they break out of the gate, a late entry is coming around the quarter turn, driving hard to lead the pack, a long-standing stalking horse from out of nowhere, coming up fast on the outside. It’s  Divi Carina Bay Resort & Casino, owners of the far east side all-inclusive & adult-only resort and casino, a long-shot hometown favorite looking to claim the winner’s circle and rebuild and operate the Randall Doc track. The word on the street is they could have drawn a much better post position than Southland in order to obtain the necessary licensing. 

Down the stretch, and here they come ladies and gentleman, Hold on to your hats! It’s a three-horse race. Gov Bryan has now taken a clear and decisive lead. He’s running on a fast track, on the inside rail. As always, he’s running smart and determined. 

But it’s Southland and Divi. Divi and Southland. Closing in fast behind.

It’s neck-and-neck. The two young fillies, coming up fast on the outside, stretching out their noses, right at the finish line, wanting that garland of roses just as bad as the Gov riding on the inside rail. 

It could just be a photo-finish!

But whoever wins, it surely has to tighten up the odds that opening day at the Randall Doc track is not too far off in the foreseeable future.  

Bet the trifecta anyone?