Arturo Watlington, Jr., a thoroughbred racehorse owner with over 40 years of experience, has filed a lawsuit seeking a court injunction to prevent the Horse Race Commission from excluding his horse, Guillame, from an upcoming August 31 race in St. Thomas. Guillame, purchased in 2024 and having competed successfully in Florida, Puerto Rico, and St. Thomas, was deemed unfit for racing by the territory’s equine veterinarian and Commission member, Dr. Laura Palminteri, who advised retirement based on concerns about the horse’s front fetlocks. Watlington disputes this assessment, citing his own veterinarian’s contrary opinion and noting that Guillame has shown no signs of injury or lameness in recent races.

Despite Watlington’s invitation for commissioners to observe Guillame’s condition firsthand, no officials attended, and the horse was subsequently removed from the race program without public notice or his involvement. Watlington claims this exclusion violates the commissioners’ legal duties and has named several commission members and the racing secretary as defendants in his suit. He is requesting a temporary restraining order to allow Guillame to compete on August 31 and a hearing to consider a preliminary injunction.