The Florida horse racing community is grappling with a legislative proposal that threatens the future of live racing at Gulfstream Park. House Bill 105 and Senate Bill 408 aim to “decouple” live racing requirements from casino operations, allowing Gulfstream Park’s parent company, 1/ST Racing and Gaming, to operate its casino without conducting live horse races. This move has raised alarms among industry stakeholders who fear significant economic and cultural repercussions.
Damon Thayer, a former Kentucky state senator and current senior adviser to the Thoroughbred Racing Initiative, expressed deep concern over the legislation’s progress. He described the situation as an “uphill battle,” criticizing the tactics employed by Gulfstream Park and its leadership. Thayer highlighted that the industry’s delayed response has made countering the bill more challenging.
The proposed decoupling has already made headway in the legislative process. On February 5, the Industry and Professional Activities Subcommittee approved House Bill 105 by a 12-4 vote, moving it to the Commerce Committee, which subsequently passed it 13-8 on March 17. The bill includes an amendment requiring a three-year notice before decoupling can occur, with such notice permissible starting July 1, 2027. However, critics like Tom Ventura, president of Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company, liken this provision to “a ride on the Titanic,” suggesting it offers little real protection for the industry.
The potential cessation of live racing at Gulfstream Park could have far-reaching consequences. The track, established in 1939 and acquired by Frank Stronach in 1999, has been integral to Florida’s racing heritage. Its closure would not only impact local economies but also signify a cultural loss for the state’s thoroughbred racing community. The land’s prime real estate value adds another layer of complexity, with concerns that decoupling could pave the way for expanded casino operations or other developments, further eroding the racing industry’s footprint.
As the Florida Derby approaches on March 29, stakeholders continue to rally against the decoupling proposal, striving to preserve the state’s rich horse racing tradition amidst mounting legislative challenges.
Click the link below to read the full article by Tom Pedulla at www.thoroughbredracing.com
https://www.thoroughbredracing.com/articles/6547/they-are-playing-dirty-horsemen-fear-uphill-battle-save-racings-future-gulfstream-park/
