Letter To Editor: Florida Produces Results

[Wandering Eyes]

What a ride. What a feeling. What an unbelievable journey to play a part in Florida's racing legacy. I couldn't be more proud of Bridlewood graduates finishing 1-2 in the 2025 Kentucky Derby–and another in the top 10 with East Avenue. Now that I've had a moment to reflect, I can say with certainty: this finish wasn't luck. It was a testament to Florida's standing as a hub for racing excellence.

Florida, and particularly Ocala, has long been a cradle for champions. With abundant sunshine, ideal soil, mineral-rich spring water, and an unmatched concentration of top-tier trainers and horsemen, Central Florida offers the perfect environment to develop elite Thoroughbreds. These conditions–combined with generations of expertise–form a recipe for success that's as consistent as it is extraordinary.

Bridlewood Farm has worked hard to become a nationally premier destination for schooling and training the best young horses each fall. This year's Derby results endorse that effort. Sovereignty and East Avenue are Kentucky horses from Godolphin–a global racing empire–that came to Bridlewood for one reason: the global industry knows Florida produces results. I could not be more proud of our farm trainer, Meda Murphy, and her team for producing great results for our clients each and every year.

This year, 13 of the 19 Kentucky Derby contenders had Florida ties–whether trained, raced, or raised here. Florida's nationally competitive racetracks, renowned competition such as the Florida Derby, and robust infrastructure built by multigenerational family farms make this possible. Thanks to this foundation, Florida's Thoroughbred industry contributes $3.24 billion to the state's economy annually, including over $180 million of commerce through the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company alone.

For me, Florida has always represented my American Dream. As General Manager of Bridlewood Farm, I've built a life here doing what I love–and long have planned for the day my son Blaine will continue the legacy. But our story is just one of many. Florida's strength lies in its community of horsemen and women, farms big and small, all contributing to a shared future.

The key to continued success? Work hard and double down on what makes Florida Thoroughbreds great. With the right resources and support, tomorrow's national champions will forever emerge from the Sunshine State.

–George Isaacs is the General Manager of Bridlewood Farm

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