Decoupling bill threatens thoroughbred horse racing industry

File photo: Super Ana, Hip 340, a Chestnut Filly by Palace Malice and consigned by C&J Stable, is breezed across the wire during the Under Tack Show at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company in Ocala, Fla. on Monday, Jan. 24, 2022. The OBS Under Tack Show was held the day before the start of the OBS Winter Mixed Sale, which is being held on Tuesday, Jan. 25 and Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2022. The thoroughbred sale includes horses of racing age. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

Equine industry stakeholders in Marion County are expressing concern after a bill advanced through a subcommittee of the Florida House that would affect the requirements of thoroughbred permits.

If signed into law, House Bill 105 would authorize thoroughbred permitholders to elect not to conduct live racing, effectively decoupling the casino and gaming industry from the thoroughbred racing industry.

This would allow a racetrack to operate a stand-alone casino, with no requirement to fund the breeders and racers through the gambling permits.

“This decoupling of gaming from live horse racing will eliminate the 33,500 jobs supported by Florida’s world-renowned Thoroughbred industry and may well be the death knell for Thoroughbred racing nationwide,” wrote the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’Association.

Locally, the bill could pose a huge threat to Marion County’s economy as the horse capital of the world. The horse industry in Ocala-Marion County generates about $4.3 billion in revenue to the economy annually, which accounts for about 22% of the nationwide gross domestic product, according to a 2023 study by the FTBOA.

“The industry also supports 28,500 jobs, about one in five in Marion County, with 56% of those jobs related to thoroughbreds.” according to FTBOA.

The bill relates specifically to the Gulfstream Park and would allow Tampa Bay Downs to decouple live racing from casino operations. The bill is currently in the Commerce Committee of the Florida House of Representatives.

On Feb. 18, the Thoroughbred Racing Initiative was launched and will be chaired by David O’Farrell of Ocala Stud. In partnership with FTBOA, the initiative’s mission is to fight decoupling measures.

“This bill prioritizes corporate interests over horsemen, breeders and our industry’s huge agri-business and tourism contributions,” O’Farrell said. “We must take a stand now to ensure thoroughbred racing has a future.”

The initiative will also partner with Ocala Breeders’ Sales, the leading seller of 2-year-olds in training worldwide, which also issued a letter staunchly opposing the bill and encouraging other industry leaders to do the same.

“Owners, breeders, trainers and all horsemen have options when considering where to race and breed. Hence, it is vital that Florida continues to support Thoroughbred racing and breeding and not force businesses and jobs to flee Florida to more welcoming states,” wrote OBS.

OBS said if the bill passes it would have the potential to create impacts nationwide—not just in Florida.

“Having a vibrant horse industry in Florida that is competitive with other states protects an established, signature industry that not only provides a tremendous economic impact but promotes and preserves greenspace,” wrote OBS.

Marion County Commissioner Craig Curry brought up the bill at the Feb. 18 commission meeting, urging the board to take a stance while the bill is still in early stages.

“If they decouple (Gulfstream) and they are able to build casinos, then their property becomes a lot more valuable, upwards of $2 billion is what I’ve heard,” Curry said. “It affects Marion County the most, from a racing standpoint and from a job standpoint.”

Commission Chair Michelle Stone suggested that the board issue a letter of support to be used in lobbying against the bill. Action may be taken at a later date.

“I do believe that it would be appropriate, should the board decide, to at least just offer a letter of support for FTBOA and their lobbying efforts to not allow that decoupling,” Stone said. “It would have an impact to our equine industry here in Marion County, pretty largely.”