“Maybe it’s just been a long comedy of errors,” Florida Standardbred Breeders’ and Owners Association Treasurer George Birkhold told SunshineStateNews.com Publisher Nancy Smith this week in an interview. “All you have to do is look at the Marion County horse racing economic impact study from 2015,” he said. “In Marion alone, we’re talking $2.6 billion and 19,000 jobs. What...Read More
Glen Berman will take the helm of the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (FHPBA) as Executive Director on February 15, 2016, the organization announced today. Berman, a practicing attorney and registered pharmacist, has held the position of Executive Director and General Counsel for the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (ITHA) since 2009. Reporting to the...Read More
Nearly 6,500 AQHA Members Throughout Florida The powerful American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) left no doubt about its collective strength in a recent letter to and state legislative leadership by firmly stating its opposition to decoupling Florida pari-mutuels from casinos. Decoupling, a dangerous provision pending in the Seminole Gaming Compact, would dismantle Florida’s successful horse racing...Read More
The Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (FHBPA) contract with Gulfstream Park has been extended through December 2016. “We’re looking forward to another good year of Thoroughbred racing,” said FHBPA Treasurer Barry Rose.Read More
The Florida Thoroughbred industry is on a roll. Breeding activity, severely impacted by the 2008 financial crisis and subsequent recession, has stabilized and there are new investors in bloodstock and farms. The Ocala Breeders' Sales Company hit a highwater mark … Continue reading → The post Concern Runs Deep Over Florida’s ‘David Vs Goliath’ Decoupling...Read More
Decoupling has a greater significance to the Sunshine State than finalizing the Seminole gaming compact, SunshineStateNews.com Publisher Nancy Butler Smith wrote in her column today, January 11, 2016, entitled “‘Decoupling’ Is Crazy: Why Subtract from Florida’s Economic Gains?” “It’s not a one-dimensional issue and it requires lawmakers to look deeper, take a longer view, appreciate...Read More
The following December 19, 2015 Miami Herald editorial neglects to mention that horse racing decoupling is one of the “options” for the Florida Legislature to consider in 2016 as they debate ratification of the Seminole Compact. It’s a good bet that Gov. Rick Scott’s $3 billion gambling deal with the Seminole Tribe will provoke heated...Read More
#FHBPA Annual Meeting Knocked it out of the Gulfstream Park last night, with a visit from City of Hallandale Beach Mayor Joy Cooper, horseman and #Hallandale Beach Vice Mayor Bill Julian and ceremonies to honor #Thoroughbred #horseracing legends Walter Blum, all-time leading #Florida #racehorse trainer Manny Tortora and Richard Root. Check out the event album...Read More
Decoupling of horse racing would be up to the Florida Legislature, according to the terms of the Gaming Compact negotiated and executed with the Seminole Tribe of Florida that Governor Rick Scott submitted to Senate President Andy Gardiner and House Speaker Steve Crisafulli yesterday, December 7, 2015. To view the Compact, a letter of transmittal...Read More
Event to be Highlighted by Presentation to Florida Thoroughbred Legends Manny Tortora, Walter Blum and Richard Root UPDATES!! City of Hallandale Beach Mayor Joy Cooper will join us to make a special proclamation! Make sure to be in #GulfstreamPark’s Ten Palms Restaurant no later than 5:45 p.m. to meet her! Local Musical Artist Jake White...Read More
