Lifelong Ocala resident Jena Antonucci, who proudly describes herself as a small business and ag business owner, is the first female Thoroughbred trainer to win a Triple Crown race. That, she acknowledged when testifying before the Florida House Commerce Committee on March 17 “is mind-blowing.” She went on to say at the hearing on decoupling: “For me, though, even more mind-blowing is the idea that a corporate interest desires to dismantle our beloved Florida industry… Thirteen counties in our state are touched by the Thoroughbred industry.” This bill “does nothing to spur growth such as demonstrated in Kentucky and New York…. Five years is not stability for our industry… The Canadian corporation behind this bill has persistently failed to keep their word across multiple states… They’ve closed or diminished every racetrack property they have held. “We’re faced with a company looking to shutter one of the last and historic remaining green spaces and parks in the urban South Florida east of I-95… Investing in this industry benefits our local communities, counties and our great state akin to citrus, farming and cattle.” Thanks to TRI industry partners Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association (FTBOA) for video of the committee testimony and National HBPA for hosting on Youtube. These individual videos are available for any media use as part of the Thoroughbred Racing Initiative’s advocacy campaign promoting live horse racing, starting in South Florida.
Watch the complete video below.