ST. CROIX, USVI – Senator Samuel Carrión, Chair of the Committee on Youth, Sports, Parks, and Recreation, welcomed the news that an agreement had, at last, been reached between the Government of the Virgin Islands and VIGL for the redevelopment of the Randall “Doc” James Racetrack. 

“It seems we can finally look forward to the resumption of horseracing,” Senator Carrión said. “While I haven’t read the final agreement yet, I still have some concerns about getting the horses and trainers access to the barns and the running surface. We can’t wait until this project is completed as the animals and their riders are athletes that need exercise and practice.”

Senator Carrión has participated in several meetings relative to horseracing, to include organizing three Legislative hearings.

“During our June Committee meeting, I asked VIGL representatives about including firm timelines in any agreement with the Government, as accountability is critical and we cannot afford further delays at this juncture,” Senator Carrión said. “I hope these timelines have been incorporated into the agreement signed today. While it is very regrettable that it took so long to get this project back on track, I am grateful to all those who have worked to bring horseracing back to the island of St. Croix.”