BY SARAH WELK BAYNUM
Sean Kaplan is the president of Kaplan Media, and a corporate sponsor of the FTBOA.
Twenty years ago, Kaplan had his first experience in the exciting world of Florida’s Thoroughbred racing industry thanks to his mentor at the time.
“I helped one of my mentors, Jeff Dillon of Dillon Video, with an under-tack show at Ocala Breeders’ Sales. We were at the forefront of video technology back in those days and we started bringing under tack show videos to the internet. I helped with that process and I started to learn what Thoroughbreds were all about,” Kaplan said.
About 10 years after his first experience in the Florida Thoroughbred industry, Kaplan and his company began their partnership with the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association by producing an Florida Thoroughbred industry video.
“In 2018, we launched Horse Capital TV and the FTBOA has been a great strategic partner of the video channel. Our goal both then and now is to showcase what makes the Horse Capital of the World® so special. Our weekly segments are featured on broadcast TV [WCJB-TV ABC] and I am proud to say that we are the only regional media platform on a local broadcast TV network.” Kaplan said.
In 2022, Kaplan furthered his relationship with the FTBOA by moving his studio to the FTBOA’s offices in Ocala.
“We have now produced over 50 episodes of The Florida Horse Podcast. We’ve had so many memorable video shoots over the years. It has been so special to see the Florida Thoroughbred breeders, owners and trainers we’ve interviewed go on to win at the highest levels. When you see them win at high levels, we’re super excited and happy for them. It makes us proud because we have that connection. We’ve had the chance to get to know them and some of these folks became our friends—that to me is super special,” Kaplan said.
For Kaplan, one of his most anticipated annual events is the FTBOA Awards Gala, which he has covered for the last six years.
“We do all the production of each award winners’ videos and the post award interview. One of our favorite events is our extended FTBOA Awards Gala coverage each year. It’s a big deal to celebrate these Florida Thoroughbred connections and we are proud to help share their stories with our viewers. It’s a big deal for Florida and it’s something we always look forward to doing. It’s a lot of work, but it’s always super fulfilling in the end,” Kaplan said.
In 2025, Kaplan looks forward to continuing to support the FTBOA and its members.
“I want to thank the FTBOA for their long-standing partnership more than anything, because it’s the people and the partnership that make the difference. They deserve all the credit and thanks. I think it’s always important to help the FTBOA with their mission, their cause and to partner with them in the best ways possible. I am looking forward to continually helping the FTBOA communicate their goals and mission. As the next generation of owners and breeders evolve, we will need to continue to reach them in a variety of ways. It’s exciting to know that media continues to change, but stories don’t, and I think we just need to inspire the next generation,” Kaplan said.
