FHBPA President Bill White Notes “Live Racing Days are the Business Driver” What “Made in Florida” product generates $23.5 million in four days from just 591 “units of sale?” Florida Thoroughbred racehorses. Surprised? If you’re a horseman, probably not. But to others, it’s an eye-opener to what horse racing really means to Florida’s economy. “The...Read More
On July 1, 2015 various provisions of Florida House Bill 239 relating to medication and testing of racing animals becomes law. This bill was signed by Florida Governor Rick Scott early this month after passing the House of Representatives 112-0 and the Senate 40-0. The passage of this bill now puts Florida, once nationally called...Read More
The Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering issued the following notice and hyperlink to a letter from its new Director, John Zachem: To All Interested Parties: A Letter dated June 23, 2015 from Jonathan R. Zachem, Director, Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, contains the following information: During the 2015 Legislative Session, House Bill (HB) 239 ‘‘Medication & Testing...Read More
At least two races will be written for Lasix-free maiden 2-year-olds, Gulfstream Park General Manager P.J. Campo told Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association President Bill White this week. Dates and other information on the groundbreaking events will be published in the next Gulfstream Park Condition Book, due July 1, 2015. “The incentive to run...Read More
American Pharaoh, who on June 5, 2015 became the first horse to win Thoroughbred racing’s coveted and illusive Triple Crown in 37 years, spent his early training time at Florida’s McKathan Brothers Training Center near Ocala, it was noted by the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (FHBPA) after the colt’s acclaimed victory in the 148th running of...Read More
Florida Governor Rick Scott signed HB 239 relating to Medication and Testing of Racing Animals today, June 2, 2015. Effective July 1, 2015, the bill will dramatically change Chapter 550.2415, Florida Statutes, which has governed the use of Florida Thoroughbred race-day medication for more than 25 years. The product of strong advocacy by the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, Florida Thoroughbred...Read More
Not yet 30 – but riding since age 12 – with a face that could pass as a teenager and a 9 to 5 smile, five foot, 113 pound Paco Lopez is becoming an elite jockey on the racing circuit and hard to beat at Monmouth Park, the Two River Times reports. In his...Read More
THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA’s Dara Kam reported: “In what could be a game changer in Florida’s gambling arena, an appeals court (May 29, 2015) ordered state regulators to allow slot machines at a Gadsden County racetrack . . . “ The Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association is disappointed that the First District Court of Appeal...Read More
Have you heard? An FHBPA Partnership is part of Gulfstream Park‘s new $250 Trainer Incentive! The Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association Backstretch Fund will provide the “seed money” for the $250 trainer starter bonus recently announced by Gulfstream Park. The $250 bonus begins July 1 and runs through October 1, 2015. Bonus–If you’re shipping and returning within Florida, Gulfstream will also...Read More
It was enough to give even the most experienced horseman a bad case of heartburn. Reckoning day was April 21, 2015 in Tallahassee as the Florida House of Representatives’ powerful Finance and Tax Committee called roll to prepare for a debate on “decoupling,” with a specific amendment on decoupling horse racing taking dead aim on...Read More
