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
FTHA President Joe Orseno won the Holy Bull stakes with the horse Hades. He earned points towards running in the Kentucky Derby on the first Saturday in May. Read more on article below. https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/274834/hades-repels-champion-fierceness-to-win-holy-bullRead More
The road to the Kentucky Derby has long run thru the winter preps at Gulfstream Park. Saturdays Holy Bull winner, Hades, has stamped himself as one to watch after decisively defeating heavily favored BC Juvenile Champion Fierceness. Trained by Gulfstream based Joe Orseno, the son of Awesome Slew out of a Quality Road mare, is...Read More
The FHBPA is pleased to announce that Jesus Tapia, from the barn of Mark Casse, has been selected as the Groom of the Month for March. The 26 year old is a native of Mexico and has employed at the barn for the last 3 years. Jesus is single but does have 2 brothers that...Read More