PRESS RELEASE

OCALA, FL—The Florida Thoroughbred Political Action Committee will host the annual Florida Thoroughbred Golf tournament, presented by Florida Coast Equipment, on Friday, October 2 at The Club at Iron Lake in Ocala, Florida.

A silent auction kicks off online on September 16 at noon. The auction moves to in-person on Friday, October 2 at The Club at Iron Lake and is open to the public throughout the day.

Thoroughbred industry members, vendors, local businesses and the community attend annually. Events beyond the auction require advance RSVP by September 27 by calling 352-629-2160.

The silent auction offers equine services, baskets of equine products, art, rare liquors and autographed sports memorabilia. The autographed items include signed pieces from Hall of Fame jockeys including the late Ron Turcotte, Steve Cauthen, Jacinto Vasquez, among others. 

The shotgun scramble golf tournament begins at 12:30 p.m. featuring many promotions on the course throughout the day including Golf Galaxy’s Guess My Distance challenge and mini golf clinic, a tasting by Horse & Hound Heavy Wheat Bourbon sponsored by the Green-Kaniss Family. There is also a Hole-in-Two contest in which teams can opt for a player to shoot a long drive for them. Teams that play the Hole-in-Two contest are also entered for a chance to win a round at Pebble Beach. 

The day’s events also include a brunch with speaker Barbara Jo Rubin, the first woman jockey to win a recognized U.S. horse race; a fashion show by Mari’s Boutique, an autograph session, a book signing, art show by the Ocala Art Group, a cocktail reception hosted by Legacy Building Solutions and an awards dinner presented by Florida Coast Equipment as presenting sponsor and Equi-Smith as a gold sponsor. 

A mini trade show is part of the day and includes Florida Coast Equipment displaying Kubota equipment and Legacy Building Solutions. Stonehedge Farm South is a diamond sponsor.

Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association member Beth Bayer joined as the golf chair in 2025. Longtime co-chairs Debbie Green and volunteers from Ocala Palms are back for their eleventh year. 

Golfers receive a golfer swag-bag valued at more than $75, including premium golf balls courtesy of Randy Miles and a custom polo courtesy of Beth Bayer Consignments and Seminole Fence. Box lunches are sponsored by Seminole Feed. Beckie Cantrell is sponsoring a roaming beer cart and All-In Removal is sponsoring golfer’s carts. Ocala Equine Hospital is sponsoring swag bags which includes items from sponsors.

“We’ve worked hard to get really special items donated for the auction and to provide opportunities for donors to showcase their products and services. We are also making sure there are fun hole promotions,” Green said.

Tickets are still available for brunch, dinner, the trade show, and tee sign sponsorships. Silent auction donations are still being accepted. For more information, call 352-629-2160 or email Tammy Gantt at tgantt@ftboa.com.

To learn more about the Florida Thoroughbred PAC 2026 Golf Tournament, click here.

Return to the September 15 issue of Wire to Wire