The British Virgin Islands Horse Owners Association has marked this year’s August Tuesday races as a total success, characterised by a smooth running of activities and encouraging turnout.
In an interview with 284News, BVI Horse Owners Association President Lesmore Smith said, “ It was a great turn out. I can’t give you exactly how much people there were by numbers but when I looked in the audience, I could say there was a great turn out and people enjoyed themselves… All in all, it was a great come together in terms of unity and fellowship… It was indeed a great moment and a great day.”
On the heels of this successful activity, Smith is urging the Government of the Virgin Islands to take another look at the territory’s Gaming and Betting Framework, to put forward the necessary measures so that the BVI could tap into the economic benefits of betting during horse racing events.
“I’m hoping with this, and with the governors and other politicians being present that they could see the need of ensuring that we can get our gaming legislation”, he said.
Smith, noting that gaming and betting is a viable industry for economic expansion in the BVI, said that it must be considered “that the government could get further revenue from this sort of event to curtail some of the costs being incurred”.
He added that additional monies could also go towards government spending on addressing other current-day issues affecting the BVI.
A total of 5 races were held throughout Tuesday’s event with results as follows:
Race 1 – The Lenford Antonio “Bolo” Baptiste Memorial Race : 1st Shine N Jam, 2nd Nadiae’s Image
Race 2 – The Elliot “Parboy” Hodge race: 1st Dissertation, 2nd Fascinating Beauty
Race 3 – The Ronnie “Biggie” Hodge Classic: 1st Puttingonashow, 2nd ASTRO Ride
Race 4 – The Earl “Bob” Hodge Memorial Race: 1st Romantic Henry, 2nd Commish 2nd
Race 5 – Rodney “Mileage” Simmonds Memorial One Mile Race: 1st Come on Venezuela, 2nd Courage and Honor, 3rd One Way to Fame