Governor Bryan submits agreement to rebuild St. Croix racetrack without taxpayer funding

Governor Albert Bryan Jr. (D) has transmitted legislation to the 36th Legislature of the United States Virgin Islands that would authorize a private agreement to rebuild the Randall “Doc” James Racetrack on St. Croix, return horse racing to the island, and establish a territorial framework for the sport—all without new taxpayer funding.

The proposed agreement would allow Southland Gaming of the Virgin Islands to rebuild and operate the Randall “Doc” James Racetrack on St. Croix while continuing to operate the Clinton E. Phipps Racetrack on St. Thomas. The deal is designed to remove the ongoing operational burden from the Government of the Virgin Islands.

“Horse racing is part of who we are as Virgin Islanders,” 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.”

Bryan said the agreement is the result of years of work to resolve the legal disputes and failed reconstruction efforts he inherited when he took office, at which point both racetracks had been demolished and were tied up in litigation.

Under the agreement, Southland Gaming would make a private investment of up to $25 million to resurface the track, renovate existing barns, rebuild the grandstand, and complete major improvements across the property. Those improvements include paddock facilities, quarantine and receiving barns, veterinary and saddling facilities, jockey locker rooms, family and picnic areas, and related racing infrastructure. Once completed and turned over, all improvements at the Randall “Doc” James Racetrack would belong to the Government of the US Virgin Islands.

The agreement includes a performance bond of up to $12 million and clear deadlines. Track resurfacing and barn renovation must be completed within 8 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.

“I know people are tired of promises,” Bryan said. “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 includes support for 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 agreement would also allow Southland Gaming to operate gaming at both racetracks and establish 2 new gaming centers on St. Thomas aimed at tourist gamblers. Bryan said those business opportunities are tied to performance and are what make the agreement financially viable without public funding.

“Southland gets a business opportunity. Yes, they do,” Bryan said. “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.”

Racing has already resumed on St. Thomas. Since May 2024, the Clinton E. Phipps Racetrack has hosted more than 10 race days, with racing continuing with the Governor’s Cup.

“That showed us that horse racing in the Virgin Islands is not dead,” Bryan said. “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.”

Bryan has agreed not to call a special session, allowing the Legislature to review the agreement through the regular legislative process, and has asked that the matter be heard before the end of May.

“To the people of St. Croix, I want to say this plainly,” Bryan said. “I do not have another deal before me. If we want horse racing back on the Big Island, the time is now.”