Cassada Gardens Horse Racing Proposal Remains Alive Despite New US$100M Project

The government says discussions are continuing with the developers behind the proposed Cassada Gardens horse racing project even as Cabinet considers a separate US$100 million proposal from international investors to establish a large-scale equine industry in Antigua and Barbuda.

Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant said Thursday that the two proposals are not mutually exclusive, noting that talks remain ongoing with the principals associated with the Cassada Gardens development.

“Talks are continuing with the principals affiliated with the Cassada Gardens racetrack,” Merchant said during the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing. He added, however, that the local proposal is “small” in comparison with the international investment currently before Cabinet.

According to Merchant, the overseas investors have extensive experience in the horse racing industry, operating in the United Kingdom, Asia and the Middle East, including Dubai and Qatar.

He said the investors possess both the technical expertise and financial resources to undertake the proposed development, which the government believes could generate economic benefits for Antigua and Barbuda.

Cabinet was informed on Wednesday that the international consortium is proposing a US$100 million investment to create a comprehensive horse racing and equine industry, including an international-standard racetrack, a thoroughbred breeding centre, an equine veterinary hospital, quarantine and biosecurity facilities, training institutions and tourism-related amenities.

Merchant also disclosed that the proposed site for the new international development is in the St. George’s area, separate from the Cassada Gardens location.

Cabinet has not approved the international proposal and has instead requested additional presentations from the investors to examine the project’s financial, regulatory, environmental and operational details before making a final decision.

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