Letters to the Editor, Feb. 13 BloodHorse Daily

Decoupling Needs to be Opposed With an economic impact of more than $3.2 billion to the state, the importance of the Thoroughbred industry in Marion County, and Florida as a whole, cannot be overstated. Any action that threatens the viability of our racing and breeding operations is deeply troubling and unacceptable. Ocala Breeders' Sales Company is proud to be the leading seller of 2-year-olds in training in the world and while the sales attract a broad group of domestic and international buyers, it is critical that OBS, along with the Florida horsemen and breeders, have a stable environment in our own backyard. OBS is a center of commerce for the Thoroughbred marketplace in Florida and often relied upon to generate income to help sustain training and breeding operations. Therefore, we have been steadfast in our opposition to decoupling. It is important to understand that the bill for decoupling is in the initial stages and has a long way to get to the finish line. Simply put, decoupling will allow a Thoroughbred racetrack to operate a stand-alone slot and card casino by removing the statutory requirement to conduct racing and fund purses and breeder awards for the horsemen that helped them qualify for the gaming license and supply the horses for the races. The push for decoupling by (Gulfstream Park owner) 1/ST Racing is disturbing, selfish and unfounded. 1/ST Racing should be applauded for their significant investment in racing, but it is counterintuitive that a company with "Racing" in its name would want to do anything that would harm racing in Florida and throughout the country. Make no mistake, if this bill passes, the impact WILL harm racing and will not be limited to Florida, the ripple effects will be nationwide, and the message will be deafening. It is our hope and belief that decoupling of Thoroughbred racing will not become a reality in Florida. The problem is that the existence of the bill itself has created obvious concern, uncertainties throughout the industry and has likely impacted breeding decisions. This is not an isolated Florida issue; it is a national issue and opposition to the bill includes leaders from throughout the country that actually compete with Florida in attracting horsemen and breeders to race and breed in their state. This bill creates a disincentive to race. The legislators have consistently and historically recognized the importance of Thoroughbred racing and breeding in Florida by creating a statutory framework that protects and promotes the Thoroughbred industry. The current effort to pass decoupling is ill founded and will favor one company while inflicting wide-reaching damage to a signature industry of Florida and more importantly the livelihood of the thousands of people that rely upon the stability of the Thoroughbred industry. In 2021, the legislators once again recognized the profound impact of the Thoroughbred industry to the state and specifically excluded Thoroughbred racing from being decoupled and retained other protective measures to maintain racing days. In fact, when slot machines were initially approved in 2005, statutory language for Thoroughbred permitholders were unique compared to the other pari-mutuel permitholders. Since day one with the support of horsemen, breeders, and the Thoroughbred tracks (including Gulfstream and Calder), there has been a statutory requirement for an agreement for purses and breeders' awards to be in place before a slot license could be issued to a Thoroughbred permitholder. Since the inception of slots, Jai Alai, greyhound, and Standardbred permitholders have never been required to share slots revenue or have an agreement with the underlying participants. The requirements for Quarter Horse permitholders were ineffective due to loopholes in the statute. 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. 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 green space. While it is certainly the prerogative of the owners of Gulfstream Park to walk away from racing and develop or sell their property, they do not and should not have the right to walk away with parting gifts of stand-alone slots and cards from the backs of the horsemen and breeders that are their partners and were critical in obtaining these privileges. Decoupling will send the wrong message. Now is the time to do the right thing; step up, withdraw the bill as well as the notion of decoupling before it creates any more damage. Open letter from OBS Lopez Suspension Too Short I was just floored last weekend when I tuned in to watch my racing and I hear Paco Lopez is back riding after a suspension for excessive/unwarranted use of the crop on a 2-year-old horse in an unacceptable manner. From my recollection of the incident, I thought he would have received a significant punishment. What was the effect? Sixty days? I guess he took a meaningless anger management class. This is disgusting and so typical of the meaningless punishment for offenses that are harmful to the horses they ride, risk lives of both horses and riders, and tarnish the image of "fair sportsmanship" and "concern" for the welfare of the equine athletes. I've been a fan of horse racing for over 50 years and I've seen a lot of changes in how horses are trained and the regulations to protect their health—even the unpopular rules from some of the people in the industry. And just like everywhere else, everything is observed and judged on social media today, not necessarily to the good. I don't use any social media platforms, no Facebook, Twitter, Instgram, nor Snapchat. But I read the BloodHorse Daily because of my connection to the racing industry as a longtime fan and now a micro-share owner since 2020. HISA Conditionally Reinstates Suspended Jockey Lopez I know a jockey's job is dangerous, but that doesn't give the rider license to abuse horses that don't behave the way they want. I have always felt the jockey, and even some of the trainer punishments, are too lax and do not encourage change. A suspension measured in to reduce the number of "true riding days" lost is meaningless. Allowing them to keep stakes mounts even when they are under a suspension is no punishment, that's when they make more money and get better promotion. Trainers may insist they want that rule to stay so that they have consistency on their horses, but if the punishments were upheld, there would be more incentive for not breaking the rules to begin with. I really wish some real punishments could be sentenced instead of taps on table by their hand. Barbara Adams Little Rock, Ark. HISA CEO Looking Forward After an incredible year in 2024, I'm filled with optimism and enthusiasm for the opportunities ahead in 2025. This year holds tremendous potential to build on last year's progress, and the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority remains steadfast in its commitment to working closely with horsemen and other stakeholders across the country to foster a safer, more transparent racing environment for everyone. Our thoughts are with those impacted by the devastating California wildfires. We are deeply saddened by the challenges facing so many in Southern California, including horses, horsemen, and the broader community. We continue to monitor the situation closely and extend our heartfelt condolences to those who have suffered losses. We wish everyone strength, safety, and support as recovery efforts move forward. The HISA team began 2025 with an energizing planning session, discussing fresh ideas to drive progress in the year ahead. From expanding our use of data for the purposes of formulating rules and knowledge sharing, to broadening the resources available to support jockeys' health and safety, and to developing strategies for lessening the financial burden on the industry, this year promises to be a pivotal one for advancing the integrity and welfare of horse racing. I'm especially excited to visit tracks around the country throughout 2025, connecting with the people who make this sport so special and learning firsthand about the opportunities and challenges we face together. We're ready to dive in and make this a standout year for the sport. Lisa Lazarus HISA CEO (from February HISA Newsletter)