There must be something to that teacher/high school sports coach connection when it comes to training racehorses. It’s served superstar horseman D. Wayne Lukas quite well and it’s also been the platform from which South Florida Thoroughbred conditioner Bill White has reached the mythical 2,000 win milestone, garnering 18 training titles along the way, from...Read More
As its recent monthly meeting, the Board of Directors of Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (FHBPA) unanimously passed a resolution supporting Rick Violette’s candidacy for re-election as President of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA). Rick has long been a successful advocate for the betterment of all horsemen on a state and national...Read More
F.H.B.P.A. Members: Welcome to our new Web site! Our Communication Committee, chaired by Carlo Vaccarezza, has designed and created a 21st Century version of what a horse racing industry Web site should be. In time, we’ll be incorporating all the features of the old Web site (www.fhbpa.com) into this new incarnation. And gradually after that...Read More
Even though Florida’s 2015 Legislative Session doesn’t begin until March 3, Florida’s horsemen don’t have a moment to lose in making sure our past performance doesn’t garner the dreaded “NF” (no factor) designation. Sequestered, guarded and mostly active during times the rest of the world is usually just awakening, the backstretch can be a magical...Read More
Two years ago, the Thoroughbred industry’s favorite newspaper, the New York Times, began its now annual “let’s bash horse racing series” right before the Kentucky Derby. This “All the news that’s fit to print” newspaper led of their assault on racing with a long article with the catchy title, Mangled Horses, Maimed Jockeys. In this...Read More
July 1, 2014 Kent Stirling, FHBPA Executive Director Despite related court rulings and a written complaint filed with the Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering by the United Florida Horsemen about the blatant misuse of a pari-mutuel permit issued to “South Marion Real Estate Holdings,” horse-based competitions are nevertheless scheduled to take place...Read More
By Kathy Davey Meeting led by P.J. Campo Planning continues for the transition for Gulfstream’s management of racing operations at Calder Race Course. At Gulfstream Park, the new condition book is being developed at four days/week and higher purses (mirroring last summer’s levels). GP is working diligently with both Calder and the state to...Read More
By Kathy Davey Meeting led by P.J. Campo. As we all know, a deal has been struck between Gulfstream Park and Churchill Downs Inc. (CDI) on behalf of Calder. FHBPA president Phil Combest joined PJ in coordinating the discussion about what we know so far, and what we don’t. Many issues are yet to...Read More
April 23, 2014 Kent Stirling, FHBPA Executive Director Florida Legislature May Not Act, However As national voices have gained strength in the debate on the use of therapeutic medication in horse racing, a group of organizations representing nearly 10,000 Florida Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse owners, trainers and breeders had already taken the unprecedented...Read More
Kathy Davey, Secretary Meeting led by P.J. Campo Florida Derby weekend was a great success. GP appreciates the horsemen’s participation, patience, and performance. Attendance and handle were spectacular – $3.8M on the Derby alone; $9.8M overall. And most especially – no rain!! Rumors that the Calder/Gulfstream deal is done, are just that – rumors....Read More
