St. Croix – Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has transmitted legislation to the 36th Legislature that would authorize an agreement with Southland Gaming of the Virgin Islands (SGVI) to rebuild the Randall “Doc” James Racetrack on St. Croix. The proposed agreement would finally return horse racing to the island, and establish a stronger Territorial framework for the future of the King of Sports in the Virgin Islands.
The proposed agreement would allow Southland Gaming, which operates the Clinton E. Phipps Racetrack on St. Thomas, to rebuild and operate the STX track. Such a move is designed to restart racing on St. Croix while removing the ongoing operational burden from the Government of the Virgin Islands.
“Horse racing is part of who we are as Virgin Islanders,” Governor Bryan said. “On St. Croix especially, it is community. It is family. It is pride. It is friendly rivalry. It is people gathering at the track, seeing old friends, backing their horse, supporting the horsemen, and keeping alive something that has meant so much to generations of Virgin Islanders.”
Governor Bryan said the agreement is the result of years of work to move beyond the legal disputes, delays, and failed reconstruction efforts that left both racetracks torn down when he took office.
“When I came into office, both race tracks had been torn down and both were tied up in legal disputes,” the Governor said. “I did not create that situation, but I inherited it. And from the beginning, I knew the people of the Virgin Islands were not interested in hearing a long list of excuses. They wanted horse racing back.”
Under the agreement, Southland would make a private investment of up to $25 million to resurface the track, renovate the existing barns, rebuild the grandstand, and complete major improvements across the property, including paddock facilities, quarantine and receiving barns, veterinary and saddling facilities, jockey locker rooms, family and picnic areas and related racing infrastructure.
The agreement also includes a performance bond of up to $12 million and clear deadlines. Track resurfacing and renovation of existing barns must be completed within eight months of the start of construction. Substantial completion of the larger project is required within 36 months, and at least one interim race day must be held before December 30, 2026, if it can be conducted safely and responsibly.
“I know people are tired of promises,” said the Governor. “They are tired of hearing that something is coming and then nothing happens. That is why this agreement has deadlines. It has responsibilities. It has accountability. That is not just talk. That is a plan.”
The agreement provides up to $800,000 in guaranteed annual purses for St. Croix, capped at $100,000 per race day once the track is operating, with the potential for purses to grow as revenues increase. It also supports the Horse Racing Commission, the St. Croix and St. Thomas horsemen’s associations, care for retired horses, and the long-term sustainability of the sport.
The Governor noted that racing has already resumed successfully on St. Thomas. Since May 2024, the Clinton E. Phipps Racetrack has hosted more than 10 race days, with racing continuing this week with the Governor’s Cup.
“That showed us that horse racing in the Virgin Islands is not dead,” said Gov. Bryan. “With the right structure, the right commitment, and the right partners, this sport still has a future here. And the people of St. Croix deserve that same chance.”
The agreement would allow SGVI to operate gaming at both racetracks and establish two new gaming centers on St. Thomas aimed at tourist gamers. The Governor said those business opportunities are tied to performance and are part of what makes the agreement financially viable without new taxpayer funding.
“Southland gets a business opportunity. Yes, they do,” said Bryan. “But the public gets something meaningful in return. St. Croix gets a rebuilt racetrack. Horsemen get a stronger structure. And the Territory gets a revived racing industry that taxpayers are not being asked to keep reaching into their pockets year after year to keep going.”
Once completed and turned over, the improvements at the Randall “Doc” James Racetrack would belong to the Government of the Virgin Islands.
Governor Bryan has agreed not to call a special session, allowing the Legislature to review the agreement through the regular legislative process. He has asked that the matter be heard before the end of May.
“To the members of the Legislature, I am asking for your fair consideration and your support,” Governor Bryan said. “And to the people of St. Croix, I want to say this plainly. I do not have another deal before me. If we want horse racing back on the Big Island, the time is now. St. Croix deserves a rebuilt Randall “Doc” James Racetrack, the horsemen deserve a real future, and this agreement gives us the chance to deliver it.”
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