Tom Ventura, president of the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Co., testified against Florida HB 105 (which would let Gulfstream Park keep its gaming licenses without live horse racing) during the March 17 House Commerce Committee meeting. Ventura said in part: ‘While it’s certainly the prerogative of 1/st Racing and Gulfstream Park to walk away from racing and develop or sell their property, they do not — and should not — have the right to walk away with parting gifts of two slots machines and card room licenses; on backs of the horsemen and the breeders (who) were critical in obtaining these privileges…. The 5-year protection plan, with 40 days of racing a year, may be intended to be a life raft, but it is a ride on the Titanic.’ 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.