DeSantis visits Ocala Breeders’ Sales, opposes thoroughbred decoupling bill

Gov. Ron DeSantis Talks About Decoupling

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Gov. Ron DeSantis visited Ocala Breeders’ Sales on Thursday to speak on the decoupling bill moving through the Florida House of Representatives that threatens the thoroughbred industry.

The governor’s surprise visit took place during the OBS Spring Two-Year-Olds In Training Sale.

“I’m having to play the role now of protecting the people of Florida from any sabotage that’s being done in the Florida House of Representatives,” DeSantis said.

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.

“I understand the importance of this industry to the state, not just in terms of economy, which is important, but we’ve got a lot of good stuff going on for culture and way of life and things that people have known for many generations,” DeSantis told the crowd.

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 Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association.

“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.

DeSantis expressed distaste with not only the bill, but recent actions of Florida representatives and their motives.

“I just look at it as like, ‘Are you standing up for Floridians or not? Are you siding with folks that don’t even live here or other interests, or are you seeing it for the people?’” DeSantis said.

DeSantis also touched on his desire to cut property taxes for Florida homeowners.

“They won’t even entertain property tax relief, which I think we need in Florida. So, if they want to do this sales tax cut that’s going to benefit Canadian tourists and foreigners coming,” DeSantis said. “I don’t want to cut taxes on tourists and foreigners. I want to cut taxes on Florida homeowners and so we’re doing all these battles.”

In the first day of OBS’ Spring Sale, a thoroughbred colt sold for $1.45 million. Hip 601, “Son of a Gun Runner,” was sold to consignor Steven Venosa of SVG Thoroughbreds.