For immediate release: Thursday, April 17, 2025
Photo credit: OBS/Vid Horse photos by Lauren Vannucci
OCALA, Fla. (Thursday, April 17, 2025) — “On this issue with the horses, it seems to me they’re proposals that have the effect of harming the industry here in Florida to basically benefit one special interest. That’s not how you do good policy.”
That was Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Co. in Ocala, Fla., this morning, referencing decoupling legislation that is before the Florida House of Representatives and the Senate which, if passed, would allow Gulfstream Park to keep its gaming licenses without having live horse racing.
Decoupling would be devastating to Florida’s racing industry, which in turn would badly damage the breeding industry and the agribusiness of small businesses and farmers that rely on thoroughbreds to make a living.
Such legislation, which has two bills in the House and one in the Senate, would need identical versions to pass both chambers before it would reach Gov. DeSantis’ desk. The governor stopped short of saying he’d veto any such bill, but made it clear he did not approve of legislation that would devastate an industry employing 33,000 people with an annual economic impact of $3.24 billion while benefiting a single Canadian-based company (Gulfstream Park’s ownership.)
DeSantis told the packed OBS auction ring that he’s “having to do battle with the folks in the Florida House of Representatives … who are working in many respects to sabotage these Florida First policies that have been very strong.” He made clear that he considers the decoupling bills as anti-Florida First.
“We have a big diverse state, different populations can be for different things,” he said. “I try not to put my finger in the wind and just do what’s right. But on this issue with the horses, it seems to me they’re proposals that have the effect of harming the industry here in Florida, to basically benefit one special interest. That’s not how you do good policy.
“So we’re watching all of this very carefully,” Gov. DeSantis continued to applause. “… I’m having to play the role now of having to protect the people of Florida from any sabotage being done in the Florida House of Representatives…. This issue, you can argue it different ways. But I just look at it as, ‘Are you standing up for Floridians or not? Are you siding with folks who don’t even live here or other interests? Or for racing and the people?’
“I understand the importance of the industry to the state, not just in terms of the economy, which it is important…. but the culture and way of life, and things that people have known for many generations. So we’ll be looking at what ends up being produced in the Florida legislature. But you can count me as one who will not look favorably on legislation that is going to decimate (an industry).”
Ocala Stud General Manager David O’Farrell, who is president of the Thoroughbred Racing Initiative, was among those speaking with Gov. DeSantis.
“It’s been a really good day for our industry,” O’Farrell said after a 2-year-old sold for $850,000. “It’s great for OBS and just showing strength that we’re here, we’re a viable business. It was great to show him the commerce taking place in Ocala. Showing him what our industry is all about.”
Asked if he was encouraged by the governor’s comments, O’Farrell said: “I’m not going to rest comfortably until it’s over, until the legislative session ends or the bills actually die. But I definitely think it puts our nose in front if you will. To know that we have the Governor on our side as a huge ally and supports our business is a huge win for the industry.”
TRI Senior Advisor Damon Thayer said: “Our coalition was honored to host Gov. Ron DeSantis at OBS today. His pro-Florida jobs message resonated with those in attendance, and we appreciate his strong support for the working men and women in Florida’s horse industry.”
ABOUT THE THOROUGHBRED RACING INITIATIVE (TRI)
The Thoroughbred Racing Initiative (TRI) was founded in February, 2025, as an industry collaboration providing funding and resources to oppose Florida legislation for decoupling, which would allow tracks to keep their gaming licenses without conducting live horse — the original statutory requirement in place to protect one of the state’s signature industries. The TRI was founded by Ocala Stud general manager David O’Farrell (TRI president), prominent owner-breeder Jon Green of DJ Stable (TRI vice president); trainer Mark Casse, a member of both the North American and Canadian racing halls of fame; and Dr. Barry Eisaman, a veterinarian who with wife Shari operates the full-service farm Eisaman Equine in Williston. Leading industry organizations were brought in, including the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Co. (OBS), the Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association (FTBOA), the National HBPA, Tampa Bay HBPA and the Florida Horsemen’s Association. Other like-minded racing and breeding associations are expected and encouraged to join the consortium.