Racetrack requirements

Checkout our iOS App for a better way to browser and research.

  • The holder of a franchise agreement to operate a racetrack shall comply with the following requirements:
    • (a) A horse transporter and a winch must be provided at all racetracks for the safe and expedient removal of crippled or dead animals from the track, as well as a screen for use when an animal must be destroyed in view of the general public.

    • (b) An emergency medical services plan must be provided to the Virgin Islands Horse Racing Commission at least 10 days before the start of each race. The plan must include all information relative to emergency medical services to be provided to racing participants and patrons.

    • (c) An office for use by the members of the Virgin Islands Horse Racing Commission must be provided on race days suitable for use by such persons in the performance of their duties.

    • (d) Each racetrack must include a judge’s stand or remote controlled video cameras so located and constructed as to give the officials an unobstructed view of the entire track. No obstruction is permitted upon or near the track or the centerfield which obscures the officials’ vision of any portion of the track during the race.

    • (e) A covered bench, located conveniently to the gate gap through which horses enter the track at the beginning of a race must be provided at each racetrack for jockeys who are not competing in a particular race and who are wearing colors.

    • (f) Stables must be provided for horses participating in racing on the race day within the confines of the racetrack. All horses must be stabled in individual, numbered box stalls with appropriate feeding and watering facilities. Stalls must be provided for horses trained off track and participating in racing on race day. Stables and immediate surrounding areas must be kept in a sanitary condition at all times. Satisfactory drainage must be provided, and manure and other refuse must be promptly and properly removed.

    • (g) Each race must have an outrider on duty and suitably mounted each day during racing hours. The outrider must display excellent riding ability. The duties of the outrider include, but are not limited to:

      • (1) leading tough horses;

      • (2) holding a horse during an equipment change before a race;

      • (3) controlling the horses until they reach the gate;

      • (4) catching the horses if they stray at the gate or after an accident;

      • (5) detouring other horses away from an accident;

      • (6) leading a post parade; and

      • (7) being a stopper at a distance behind the starting gate after a warm-up of horses.

    • (h) Each track must have wash rooms throughout its grounds, stable area, and buildings for the use of the public, including the facilities for persons with disabilities, in an adequate number to be determined by the Virgin Islands Horse Racing Commission.

    • (i) Sanitary conditions must be maintained at all times on each track, including the implementation of effective controls against birds, rats, flies, mosquitoes, and other insects.

    • (j) Alcoholic beverages may not be sold on the backstretch or in any other area used for stabling of horses.

    • (k) Adequate provisions must be made for fire prevention and fire suppression.

    • (l) All tracks must have in place a suitable backstretch paging system.


Download our app to see the most-to-date content.