Letter to the Editor: Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ & Owners’ Association Issues Response to Letter Critical of Florida’s Racing and Breeding Programs

[Wandering Eyes]

Dear Editor:

A July 31 letter printed by Thoroughbred Daily News criticized Florida's racing and breeding programs. This letter, seemingly targeted at the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' & Owners' Association, compels a direct response, particularly given the source and timing.

Considering the Source

The author of this letter has not appeared as a breeder-of-record on a registered Florida-bred foal that we know of since 2019, holds no current Florida racing license that we are aware of, appears to have no recent Florida starts as an owner or trainer, and is not a member of the FTBOA.

This outside perspective is not fully informed and is not based on a commitment to the success of Florida's program. Disconnected criticism fits a troubling pattern of external interests attempting to destabilize our industry for their own purposes.

The unoriginal suggestion that the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company should “take over” the FTBOA is premised on a misunderstanding of corporate law. No legal mechanisms exist whereby the for-profit OBS may assume control of a not-for-profit association. It is hard to perceive that OBS would entertain such a perilous and impermissible course.

These attacks coincide with intensifying efforts by non-Florida entities positioning for control of valuable industry assets–suggesting coordination rather than genuine concern for Florida breeding.

Record Resources

While decoupling legislation remains stalled, the state has demonstrated its commitment to Florida's Thoroughbred industry through increased incentives for racing. As FTBOA CEO Lonny Powell noted following Governor DeSantis' newest budget approval, “We are grateful to our Governor and leaders in the Florida Senate who ensured ongoing support for the Thoroughbred breeding industry. Were it not for key Senate allies, Florida's breeding program would be in a precarious position. Today's additional state investment affirms the racetracks' responsibility to the Florida industry. We anticipate benefits to our breeders as purse incentives drive up market values for the second most valuable state-breds in the nation.”

In 2024, combined Florida-bred breeding, stallion and open race incentives outpaced all states outside of Kentucky. Thanks to recent legislative support, we anticipate 2025 may accelerate this pattern. With more purse and incentive dollars available than ever before in Florida's history, we anticipate historic high offerings as racetracks organize and deploy these substantial new resources effectively.

Program Responsibility

It's important to clarify that matters of the Florida condition books, including Florida-bred restricted races, fall under the domain of the racetracks, not FTBOA. While we always desire to collaborate with track management and horsemen, the scheduling and structure of race conditions are operational decisions made at the racetrack.

Consistent Strength

Claims of decline ignore that Florida's breeding program continually delivers exceptional performance and market leadership.

Florida-breds globally won 64 open stakes races and 13 graded stakes in 2024, dramatically outpacing all other regional breeding programs outside of Kentucky. This tour-de-force continues into 2025 where, to date, we have 49 open stakes winners across the nation, of which 15 are graded stakes–again, more than doubling our nearest state-bred rivals outside of Kentucky.

Florida-bred 2-year-olds commanded the highest average prices among all major regional programs in 2024. Our 2-year-old prices demonstrate remarkable resilience, achieving a 73% increase from 2020 to 2024, even as other major states experienced double-digit declines. And, while New York leads in yearling prices among major regional breeders, Florida maintains a strong second place.

For over a decade, Florida-breds have consistently made up 40% of all Florida race starters, 40% of victories, and earned 40% of Florida purses, demonstrating sustained competitive excellence in-state.

Caution: Quality Over Restriction

Florida-breds compete and win against all comers, in open company, across the nation. In-state, our runners have long appreciated open-race purse incentives and likely can look forward to expansion of those benefits.

Increased restricted race programming can compromise this fundamental advantage by developing horses suited for state-bred competition rather than open success. And restricted racing can net reduce overall field sizes at a time when our racetracks, through repeated decoupling attempts, have indicated declining interest in robust race dates.

Coordinated Outside Attacks

The FTBOA controls the final remaining Thoroughbred racetrack permit in Florida–a significant not-for-profit asset that, while not yet activated, represents tremendous potential value for the entire industry. The recent letter attacking the FTBOA's stewardship must be viewed in this context, as outside agitators circle this asset with a clear intent to wrest control for their own interests.

The timing and source of these criticisms are telling. This fits the emerging pattern of predatory
maneuvers by non-Florida influences who have proven sloppy and self-serving, prioritizing their own commercial interests over the industry's welfare.

Moving Forward

The Florida Thoroughbred industry stands at a pivotal moment with more financial support and opportunity than ever before. The FTBOA remains committed to maximizing these resources through engagement with like-minded Florida industry partners while preserving the competitive excellence that has made Florida-breds a respected global brand.

Regards,
FTBOA

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