Florida Becomes Global Horse Racing Epicenter This Weekend Since the first horses were domesticated for riding, they became one of mankind’s most enduring symbol of power and supremacy. In his famous Black Stallion books, author Walter Farley details an ancient horse race taking place deep in the Sahara Desert, where chieftains gathered to test...Read More
On the commemoration of civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday today, January 21, 2019, read this gripping account HERE of how the Kentucky Derby played a role in the ultimate passage of the Kentucky Fair Housing Act, and how the 1967 Derby almost didn’t happen . . . but when the race finally...Read More
When a bill relating to horse racing is filed in the Florida House of Representatives, it’s certain to be heard by the Gaming Control Subcommittee—one of the five subcommittees under the powerful Florida House Commerce Committee. Chaired by State Representative David Santiago, a Republican representing House District 27 from Volusia County, the Gaming Control Subcommittee...Read More
Bill Fuchs, a Gulfstream regular, took home the top prize in last week’s FHBPA qualifier of the National Horseplayers Championship. Bill bested 37 competitors to earn his seat at Treasure Island Feb 8, 9 and 10. A New Jersey native, he is a regular at Monmouth Park in the summer and can be found at...Read More
The FHBPA Groom of the Month for December, Milton Hernandez, comes from the barn of Jason Servis at the Palm Meadows Training Center. Hernandez has been working horses for 8 years and has spent the last 5 working with the Servis barn. The 25 year old is single, but jokingly said he’s “looking.” Here is...Read More
“Trying to pass a parimutuel bill in Florida is like throwing a side of beef into a shark tank,” former Florida Senate President Tom Lee once told the Sun-Sentinel. Because even the simplest of proposed legislation can become a laden-down free-for-all by the time industry factions amend a bill with their respective agendas, it’s more than likely...Read More
The annual Backstretch Christmas Party was held at Gulfstream Park on Tuesday December 18. The FHBPA, in concert with Gulfstream Park and His Place Ministries, hosted a gathering of approximately 400-500 individuals, including 150 children. The group dined on a full holiday feast, with all the trimmings, and then were treated to Christmas Gifts all...Read More
Florida HBPA members, As part of our membership in the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA), current Florida HBPA members are eligible to compete for free in an exclusive online qualifier to the $3,000,000-estimated National Horseplayers Championship (NHC), scheduled for Feb. 8-10, 2019 at the Treasure Island Las Vegas. The winner of the online qualifier, which...Read More
The FHBPA held its annual end of the year Board nominations and General Membership meeting dinner on 12/13 in the Ten Palms Restaurant at Gulfstream Park. Approximately 100 attendees enjoyed great food, drink, and conversation making it a fun and sociable evening for all. FHBPA Executive Director Glen Berman and President Steve Screnci provided an...Read More
On November 25, after the 1st race, the FHBPA recognized November’s Groom of the Month, Antonio “Chippy” Smith. Mr. Smith has been a fixture on the backstretch at Calder for the past 35 years. The Miami resident is currently working in the barn of Juan Arias, who said he considers Chippy to be an “excellent...Read More
