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The thoroughbred world lost a champion of the game yesterday with the passing of 57-year-old Charles “Chuck” Simon.   Simon, a graduate of the University of Arizona Equine Program, was well versed with standardbreds and thoroughbreds alike.   He made his mark over the years training thoroughbreds in the highest of racing venues,retiring at Gulfstream Park in 2019, where he also served on the Boardof Directors of the FHBPA.   It was after leaving the...Read More

PROGRAM GUIDELINES:  The Florida Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (FTHA) is proud to announce the continuation of its scholarship program in 2024 for qualified, Florida-licensed backstretch employees and/or their direct dependents. The program is designed to further the student’s education at the college undergraduate and graduate level. The scholarship may be used at any accredited college, university, community college or trade school and the student is free to pursue any field of study. Those eligible include the...Read More

From a small village somewhere high in the Himalayas, the Great Swami has dusted off the crystal ball and takes a look at the 150th edition of the Kentucky Derby. On Saturday, 20 of the best equine colts (not trained by Bob Baffert) will spring from the starting gate for a once in a lifetime run for the roses. The road to the Derby has been a long roller coaster ride consisting of the highest...Read More

Trainer Ralph Nicks ended his training career on Sunday when he saddled Tap My Belle in the 3rd at Gulfstream Park. Nicks, a former FHBPA Board Member, totaled 722 winners that earned $30,258,396 in purses over a career that began back when young Ralph worked with his father and continued under the tutelage of Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott. There were many Stakes winners along the road including 2017 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Champion...Read More

The FTHA, in cooperation with the Backstretch Chaplaincy, treated over 500 individuals to festive BBQ nights earlier this week at both Gulfstream Park and Palm Meadows Training Center. Executive Director Herb Oster along with Pastor Tom and his assistant Guillermo Fernandez hosted the events, where they had a professional photographer there to record the fun. Some 500 dinners were served and there were prizes galore. 50 bicycles were raffled off as well as 20 televisions...Read More

Florida Derby Charity Golf Tournament supporting Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and The Permanently Disabled Jockey Fund was contested Monday at Plantation Preserve Golf and Club.Read More