Parillon claims horse-racing absence cost BVI over $20M

National Democratic Party candidate Aaron Parillon has estimated that the absence of horse racing in the Virgin Islands has cost the territory more than $20 million in potential revenue. Parillon, who is contesting the Third District seat, said businesses across several sectors previously benefited from the activity generated by races at Ellis Thomas Downs in Sea Cows Bay. “Over the time we’ve not had horse races, this country has lost an excess of over $20 million in revenue,” Parillon said during an interview with host Tyler Levons. Parillon did not cite a study or provide a calculation to support the estimate. He said his estimate considered potential earnings for ferry operators, ports, taxi drivers, salons, supermarkets, liquor companies, barbershops, boutiques and businesses connected to the fishing and marine industries.

“It’s so much revenue that comes into this country and is generated in this country during that time,” Parillon stated. Parillon said some of that spending would have circulated within the Third District and helped local business owners expand their operations. Horse racing at Ellis Thomas Downs has remained suspended amid a dispute involving the government and private landowners. The government prohibited the use of privately owned sections of the facility in September 2022, affecting races planned for that month. The affected land included three parcels at the Sea Cows Bay facility. No deal Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley said in February 2025 that the government had not secured an agreement with at least one property owner. He also said the government was exploring alternative locations, but acknowledged that the sport could not resume without a facility. No alternative site has emerged as viable as of September 2026. Parillon said restoring the…