A controversial proposal, House Bill 105, that would allow Florida’s thoroughbred racetracks to decouple live racing from their casino operations is moving forward in the legislature. The bill, now expanded from five to 29 pages, is set for a key hearing in the House commerce committee. Opponents argue that this bill will devastate Florida’s breeding industry by removing financial incentives for breeders, lowering purse minimums, and increasing state regulatory control over training tracks.
The Stronach Group, which owns Gulfstream Park, is pushing for the bill, claiming that racing would continue through 2028 if passed—but offering no guarantees otherwise. Critics, including former Kentucky senator Damon Thayer, call the bill a direct attack on Florida’s horsemen and breeders, warning that it will cripple the state’s racing economy.
Despite strong Republican support in earlier votes, concerns remain that many legislators do not fully grasp the industry’s economic impact. If passed, the bill could lead to the decline of Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs, endangering thousands of jobs and Florida’s historic role in thoroughbred racing. The Senate version, SB 408, has yet to receive a hearing, giving industry advocates time to push for its rejection.
Click the link below to read the full article by Ron Flatter from www.horseracingnation.com
https://www.horseracingnation.com/news/Decoupling_bill_goes_to_Florida_committee_hearing_Monday_123
