“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
