The Kentucky Thoroughbred Association/Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders is the latest organization to oppose proposed legislation in Florida that would allow Thoroughbred racetracks to operate slot machines or card rooms without being required to run live races.
"Tracks and horsemen can forge a common and successful business strategy that need not be adversarial," read a Jan. 20 statement from Chauncey Morris, KTA/KTOB executive director. "Such collaboration brings dividends in Washington, Frankfort, Albany, or Tallahassee. Racing in the 21st century has shown it is a responsible custodian of alternative forms of gaming and attracts billions of dollars of investment equally, to the betterment of our constituents, corporate profit, and tax revenue. We in Kentucky know what it looks like. 'Decoupling' is not it."
The decoupling issue came to light Jan. 6 when 1/ST Racing, the Stronach Group's entity that operates Gulfstream Park, sent out a statement that the track and a South Florida horsemen's organization support House Bill 105 that would allow decoupling at Thoroughbred racetracks. 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 in that legislative change.
"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," read the Jan. 6 statement from 1/ST. "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."
While Herb Oster, identified as executive director of the South Florida horsemen's organization, said the group supported the change in law to secure "a sustainable future for horsemen in Florida that sensibly addresses the challenging economic realities facing the industry," Gulfstream Park is only guaranteeing live racing for at least three years.
In a follow-up meeting with Florida horsemen, multiple media outlets reported that Keith Brackpool, representing 1/ST, outlined a plan to have live racing continue at the track for the next three years if horsemen supported 1/ST Racing's efforts to remove Thoroughbred racing's protection under the current law on decoupling.
The legislation also has attracted opposition from the Florida Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association and the National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, as both bluntly predict that decoupling would devastate Florida's racing and breeding industries.
"The Kentucky Thoroughbred Association has members in Florida, however, possesses no official role in Florida racing," noted Morris. "On behalf of these members and the greater industry, we are prepared to assist as they direct."
