Florida Thoroughbred Leaders Unite On Key Industry Issues

[Wandering Eyes]

Edited Press Release

Leadership representing Florida's five principal Thoroughbred industry organizations gathered in Ocala recently for a collaborative summit with the goal of uniting the Thoroughbred industry to help preserve and promote our Florida racing and breeding legacy by providing a clear and concise message to our elected officials at the local, state and national level to support our interests.

The organizations represented included leadership from the Florida Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (FHBPA), Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association (FTBOA), Ocala Breeders' Sales Company (OBS), Tampa Bay Downs Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (TBDHBPA) and Thoroughbred Racing Initiative (TRI).

Through constructive dialogue, the assembled leadership identified several key points of consensus to guide the industry in the months ahead.

Leadership confirmed opposition to decoupling efforts pursued by Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs during the 2025 Legislative Session, including severance of live racing from revenue [1] sharing agreements and any dramatic reduction in live racing days.

The group agreed that Florida Statutes, Chapter 550–the statute governing Florida's pari-mutuel and horse racing industries–is fundamentally broken and requires modernization. Of particular concern is the unregulated Advanced Deposit Wagering (ADW) market, which lacks transparency, contributes inadequately to purses, provides no support for breeders and operates outside statutory revenue-sharing structures that support live racing. The coalition committed to pursuing Chapter 550 reform once the 2026 decoupling landscape becomes clearer. No decoupling legislation has been filed to date.

Stakeholders expressed deep concern over the absence of an annual purses and race dates agreement between the FHBPA and Gulfstream Park. With the current Horsemen's Agreement expiring Dec. 31, 2025, and no reasonable engagement from the track, the impasse presents significant industry hazards.

The group affirmed continuing work on a potential Thoroughbred racing facility alternative as a safeguard against decoupling or further contraction of live racing in South Florida.

Industry leaders agreed to establish regular communication through quarterly meetings, with participation from principal decision-makers of all five organizations.

Chester Bishop, Vice President of FHBPA, said, “It was great to hear unanimous support of the FHBPA in our continuing efforts to reach a Horseman's Agreement before expiration of the current agreement on Dec. 31, 2025.”

OBS President Tom Ventura said, “The Florida horse racing and breeding industry generates a tremendous economic impact to the state while promoting and preserving greenspace. Ocala Breeders' Sales Company, Inc. stands alongside the breeders, owners, and trainers as we collaborate to navigate the landscape and educate Florida's elected officials about the importance of this long-standing signature industry.

“We must remain united to provide a path forward that enables Florida racing and breeding to thrive and remain competitive with other horse-friendly states. A healthy Florida racing and breeding industry is not only important within the state but critical to the ecosystem throughout the country.”

Mike Dini of TBDHBPA said, “We firmly believe in no decoupling and are excited to work together to keep live horse racing strong.”

Aron Wellman, Director of TRI, stated, “The Florida racing and breeding industry is in the midst of a watershed moment, and we are collectively intent on posturing the industry to succeed on all levels,”

FTBOA CEO, Lonny Powell, said, “We appreciate our colleagues from all four organizations for their constructive engagement. This was one of the best meetings of its kind in my 14 years as CEO. Kudos to Hugh Dailey for his professional facilitation.”

The coalition issued the following joint statement: “The group met with a shared commitment to oppose decoupling across all branches of government, working closely with supportive allies in the Florida Senate and Governor's Office. They emphasized unity, collaboration on related challenges, including solutions for South Florida–and reaffirmed their collective support for live Thoroughbred racing in Florida.

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