Amid growing unease over the future of Thoroughbred racing in South Florida, the Florida Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, formerly known as the Florida Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, issued the following statement Jan. 24:
The Board of Florida Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association met to discuss the recent statements made by Keith Brackpool on behalf of the Stronach Group, 1/ST Racing, and Gulfstream Park. All discussions with Gulfstream to date have been premised on continued racing, not shutting down Gulfstream Park with or without decoupling. When representatives of Gulfstream Park approached the FTHA last summer, they proposed how to best save racing in South Florida as part of an overall plan. Closing Gulfstream in 2025 or at the end of 2028 was never mentioned or suggested, nor is that consistent with saving racing in South Florida.
As a result, the FTHA will immediately undertake steps to do the following:
- Reassess the agreement entered with Gulfstream Park given the recent Statements.
- Conduct a comprehensive analysis of all alternatives for continued racing in South Florida.
- Closely monitor all legislative or other steps that could put long-term racing in Florida at risk.
The FTHA has already reached out to Gulfstream to have further dialogue. The organization is planning another general meeting in the near future and will announce details soon.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
