What is going to happen with the Virgin Islands’ racetracks?

Horse racing in the U.S. Virgin Islands has been part of the local culture for quite some time, with racetracks on St. Thomas and St. Croix — but all of that is going to change.

As of 2025, the horse racing scene in the Virgin Islands is filled with uncertainty following the terrible 2024 racing season, and some sources suggest that this is the end of professional horse racing in our territory.

So, what is really happening, and why are racetracks closed in the Virgin Islands?

Let’s find out.

The St. Thomas Racetrack Shutdown

When it comes to horse racing, 2024 was not the season to remember, at least not for Clinton E. Phipps Racetrack on St. Thomas. It made headlines for all the wrong reasons.

According to a recent report, the track was shut down by the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Sports, Parks & Recreation after at least seven thoroughbreds were euthanized due to breakdowns during racing in 2024.US Virgin Islands travel guide

These numbers are devastating for the horse racing industry, and they suggest that something is wrong here. After all, horse racing has been battling for a positive ethical image for a long time, and such news is only negatively impacting the sport all over the world.