The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association and National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association have both expressed opposition to a proposal to eliminate a provision in Florida law that requires pari-mutuel businesses to conduct live events in order to also offer slot machines or card rooms.
Gulfstream Park and the South Florida horsemen's association sent out a joint statement Jan. 6 that they supported House Bill 105 that would remove the link between live racing and gaming, which is known as decoupling.
"The basis for the agreement, unique and designed to address the needs of Florida and consistent with similar gaming entities in the region, allows 1/ST to pursue necessary opportunities for development at Gulfstream Park," the news release stated. "The agreement ensures purse revenues are unaffected and provides for additional contributions by Gulfstream Park to horsemen's workers' compensation premiums and meaningful increases to Thoroughbred aftercare efforts in Florida."
The Stronach Group owns the 1/ST brand, which it uses for its racing, gaming, simulcasting, tote, and sports hospitality operations.
In 2021, Florida changed its gambling laws to allow decoupling at Pompano Park, a Standardbred track, and at jai-alai frontons. Thoroughbred racetracks were exempt from decoupling.
"Our position has never changed on decoupling since it was defeated in 2021," said Lonny Powell, CEO for the FTBOA. "From what we have been able to read about this, it would be very difficult for our officers and board members to be supportive of something that has so many gaping holes in it. We have not made that official decision yet, but one of the biggest challenges will be for someone to clearly articulate how it is good for racing or breeding. I can see how it can make a lot more money for the property owner, but I haven't heard how it does not wipe out the rest of the industry."
Eric Hamelback, CEO of the National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, issued a statement Jan. 7 reaffirming his organization's opposition to decoupling and also clarified the status of the South Florida horsemen's group.
"For years, the NHBPA has consistently opposed decoupling from live racing, as it is detrimental to the health and welfare of the horse racing industry," said Hamelback in the release. "We remain committed to protecting the interests of horsemen and the future of live racing and for these reasons we oppose the proposed changes to Chapter 550 of Florida statutes."
The announcement from 1/ST in support of decoupling included a statement from Herb Oster, executive director for the Florida Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association.
"The Florida Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association and 1/ST share an understanding of the issues critical to and facing year-round Thoroughbred racing at Gulfstream Park, and are committed to the same outcome," he said. "By supporting the statutory amendments to Chapter 550 to enable Gulfstream Park's live racing schedule to become independent of the venue's pari-mutuel license, we are securing a sustainable future for horsemen in Florida that sensibly addresses the challenging economic realities facing the industry."
PRESS RELEASE: Gulfstream, Horsemen Goup Reach Legislation Change Agreement
According to the National HBPA, however, the South Florida horsemen's group is not one of its affiliates.
"The press release from Gulfstream Park contains inaccuracies pertaining to the Gulfstream horsemen and their affiliation. The NHBPA wishes to clarify that the Gulfstream horsemen's association is not a National HBPA affiliate. While this association had previously been an affiliate, it agreed to discontinue the use of the name 'Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association.'
"The NHBPA, along with its affiliates—including the Tampa Bay HBPA—and many other horsemen across Florida, cannot currently support the proposed changes to Chapter 550. At this time, these changes do not appear to offer any favorable provisions for horsemen."
Gulfstream Park is expected to run more than 200 live race days in 2025. The track has more than 1,500 horses in its stable area, 1,400 horses at Palm Meadows Training Center, and said it supports nearly 6,000 Florida horse owners and trainers.
