By CHRISTIE DEBERNARDIS
It's the last Friday in November, but you
wouldn't know it on the beautiful island
of St. Lucia with temperatures in the low
eighties and the sun shining brightly in the
clear blue sky. Gathered in a private room
in the Coconut Bay resort on the south side
of the island known as Vieux Fort is a small,
but mighty group of racing dignitaries from
around the world, including John Warren,
bloodstock advisor to England's Queen Eliz-
abeth; Sir Charles Williams, a leading own-
er/breeder in Barbados; and Trinidad racing
representative David Loregnard.
The unique group, which would later be
joined by Prince Harry of Wales, was there
to take part in an important event for the
Caribbean nation, the groundbreaking cer-
emony on its first-ever racetrack. In addi-
tion to a racetrack with state-of-the-art dirt
and turf courses, the $2.6-billion project
also includes a marina, casino, resorts, re-
tail district, and much more.
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