Statement from Thoroughbred Racing Initiative (TRI) senior advisor Damon Thayer

Photo credit:  OBS/Vid Horse photos by Lauren Vannucci

With our industry-wide coalition apparently successful in defeating decoupling this legislative session, we know our work is just beginning. All we asked for was the opportunity to be heard, to explain what was at stake and to get the time to formulate a comprehensive and lawful plan that is equitable to stakeholders and allows for Florida’s thoroughbred racing and breeding industry to thrive for decades to come.

We have been informed that the decoupling issue is going nowhere in the Florida Legislature’s current session. We want to thank Senators Danny Burgess, Jason Brodeur, Stan McClain and others for taking the time to listen to our coalition, our concerns and the historical context where gaming licenses were forged from a partnership between racetracks and the horsemen.

We embrace the hard work that lies ahead. We remain committed to a collaborative effort, working together on a legislative package that will be a victory for the future of Florida racing. We are proud of and grateful for our coalition of horse owners, trainers, breeders, veterinarians, horse transportation, feed and tack companies and the thousands of hard-working men and women at Florida’s racetracks and farms that stood together throughout the session. We now move forward to make sure not only our 33,000 jobs and $3.24 billion in annual economic impact are protected but that this signature industry grows and flourishes to the benefit of all Floridians. We again thank lawmakers for providing that opportunity and look forward to working with them in the 2026 session.

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.