No Boxing Day Races @ Ellis Downs; No sign of dispute being resolved!

Ellis Thomas Downs sit dilapidated & abandoned on traditional racing day

SEA COWS BAY, Tortola, VI - Today Tuesday, December 26, 2023, is ‘Boxing Day’ and a public holiday in the Virgin Islands and one of the highlights for many years is race day at Ellis Thomas Downs located in Sea Cows Bay on the main Island of Tortola.

However, instead of the cheers or crowds and rivalry between jockeys on the track, Ellis Thomas Downs sits dilapidated and abandoned.

The last time there was a race day on Tortola was on August Tuesday, 2022, but since then, the major portion of the lands have been in dispute over increased market value payment requested between one landowner, the Thomas family, and the government of the VI.

Both sides appear to be stuck in their different positions, as there has been no movement since the Thomas family responded to the Government via letter a few months ago.

Is our racetrack matter dead?

A senior Government official told our newsroom, speaking on condition of anonymity that the “matter has been with the Attorney General’s Chambers for the past few months. However, I do not agree with compulsory acquisition.”

The Horse Track matter rests with the Premier, Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) under the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development.

It is our understanding that a proposal was made to the government to set up an independent negotiation committee, but the government has rejected that idea as the Ellis Thomas Downs remains a wasteland.