The Clinton E. Phipps Sr. Racetrack on St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands has faced ongoing safety and regulatory issues, culminating in its closure in February 2025 after multiple horse breakdowns during the 2024 season. Despite reopening in 2024 following hurricane damage, the track experienced seven horse euthanasias between May and December 2024, with concerns raised about unregistered horses competing and lax oversight, including the absence of anti-doping laws and professional surface testing. An investigation found the track surface met standards, attributing breakdowns primarily to the condition of the horses, leading to safety improvements such as raised rails, new racing surface material, and stricter pre-race checks and entry qualifications.

However, safety problems persisted, as evidenced by a March 8, 2025 accident during the Spring Stakes feature race where two horses fell, resulting in one euthanasia and a jockey hospitalized. The incident involved horses with recent racing history primarily at Puerto Rico’s Hipódromo Camarero, raising further questions about horse welfare and track management. While racing resumed after the track improvements, the recent accident underscores ongoing challenges in ensuring horse and jockey safety at the Phipps track, with regulatory bodies yet to provide public comment on the latest developments.