The tragic loss of three horses at the Clinton E. Phipps Racetrack on December 22, 2024, and four in the same year, brings the total to seven horse deaths in 2024. These events underscore the urgent need for stronger regulatory protections in the Virgin Islands’ horse racing industry. Senator Franklin D. Johnson expressed
disappointment over the failure to pass his Amendment No. 35-292, which he aimed to reinstate anti-doping laws for horses and ensure safety, fairness, and transparency in the sport.
“The heartbreaking events at the racetrack highlight the consequences of insufficient oversight,” said Senator Johnson. “While investigations by the St. Thomas/St. John Horse Racing Commission and the Sports, Parks, and Recreation Department continue, the failure to pass Amendment No. 35-292 has left a critical gap in our ability to safeguard horse racing in the Virgin Islands.”
Senator Johnson introduced Amendment No. 35-292, in Session on November 14, 2023, which sought to repeal the suspension of Virgin Islands Anti-Doping laws for horses, previously enshrined in Title 32, Chapter 11, Sub-Chapter 2 of the Virgin Islands Code.
These protections were suspended under Act No. 8722, leaving horses vulnerable to unsafe conditions. The amendment failed after eight senators voted against it, with one abstention.
Senators Diane T. Capehart, Samuel Carrion, Novelle E. Francis Jr., Kenneth L. Gittens, and Franklin D. Johnson voted in favor of the measure.
Senators Marvin A. Blyden, Angel L. Bolques Jr., Dwayne M. DeGraff, Ray Fonseca, Donna Frett-Gregory, Javan E. James Sr., Carla J. Joseph, and Milton E. Potter opposed it, while Senator Alma Francis Heyliger abstained and Senator Marise C. James was absent.
Without the reinstatement of anti-doping laws, horses remain at risk of being raced under unsafe conditions, public trust in the sport continues to erode, jockeys face heightened safety concerns, and the industry’s economic viability is jeopardized. Furthermore, the Virgin Islands risks losing its standing in broader horse racing networks, limiting opportunities for growth and collaboration.
“Amendment No. 35-292 was a missed opportunity to protect our animals, jockeys, and the integrity of this vital industry,” Senator Johnson stated. “I remain committed to pushing for renewed legislative action to address these critical issues and prevent future tragedies like those on December 22, 2024.”
Senator Johnson encourages residents to join him in advocating for this essential reform, emphasizing that horse racing’s future depends on the community’s collective efforts to ensure its safety, fairness, and sustainability.
