The Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (FHBPA) is proud to welcome Tom Cannel as our new President! With his extensive experience and dedication to the horse racing industry, Tom is committed to advocating for the best interests of our horsemen and ensuring a strong future for Florida racing. We look forward to his leadership...Read More
It has come to our attention that, on several occasions, backside workers who accompany horses for the day’s races (ship-ins) have not been in possession of their State of Florida Pari-Mutuel License. This issue has become particularly evident when trainer staff members walk horses to the State Testing Barn without their license. Please be reminded...Read More
Florida THA members, Current FLTHA members are eligible to compete for free in an exclusive online qualifier to the $4,000,000-estimated National Horseplayers Championship (NHC), scheduled for March 14-16, 2025, at the Horseshoe Las Vegas. The online qualifier, which will be held on Jan. 11, includes a $500 airfare voucher and a four-night stay at Horseshoe Las...Read More
It has come to our attention that the HISA shoe rule has not been consistently adhered to. Effective January 1, 2025, any trainer’s horses in the paddock for a race, found to be non-compliant with the HISA Shoe Rule, will be subject to shoes being pulled and/or horses being scratched and fines assessed to both...Read More
The thoroughbred world lost a champion of the game yesterday with the passing of 57-year-old Charles “Chuck” Simon. Simon, a graduate of the University of Arizona Equine Program, was well versed with standardbreds and thoroughbreds alike. He made his mark over the years training thoroughbreds in the highest of racing venues,retiring at Gulfstream...Read More
PROGRAM GUIDELINES: The Florida Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (FTHA) is proud to announce the continuation of its scholarship program in 2024 for qualified, Florida-licensed backstretch employees and/or their direct dependents. The program is designed to further the student’s education at the college undergraduate and graduate level. The scholarship may be used at any accredited college, university,...Read More
From a small village somewhere high in the Himalayas, the Great Swami has dusted off the crystal ball and takes a look at the 150th edition of the Kentucky Derby. On Saturday, 20 of the best equine colts (not trained by Bob Baffert) will spring from the starting gate for a once in a lifetime...Read More
Trainer Ralph Nicks ended his training career on Sunday when he saddled Tap My Belle in the 3rd at Gulfstream Park. Nicks, a former FHBPA Board Member, totaled 722 winners that earned $30,258,396 in purses over a career that began back when young Ralph worked with his father and continued under the tutelage of Hall...Read More
The FTHA, in cooperation with the Backstretch Chaplaincy, treated over 500 individuals to festive BBQ nights earlier this week at both Gulfstream Park and Palm Meadows Training Center. Executive Director Herb Oster along with Pastor Tom and his assistant Guillermo Fernandez hosted the events, where they had a professional photographer there to record the fun....Read More
Florida Derby Charity Golf Tournament supporting Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and The Permanently Disabled Jockey Fund was contested Monday at Plantation Preserve Golf and Club.Read More
