BY STEVE KOCH

OCALA, FL—The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association announced today an innovative new Florida-bred Export Incentives program for 2026 that will promote Florida-bred horses competing out-of-state.

For calendar year 2026, FTBOA will launch Florida-bred Export Incentives, dedicating up to $1 million to reward the listed breeders of registered Florida-bred horses that win in selected conditions at out-of-state racetracks. The program offers comprehensive incentives: $7,500 per Grade 1 win, $5,000 per Grade 2 or 3 win, 15% of earnings (up to $4,000) per Non-Graded stakes win, and 15% of earnings (up to $3,000) per Maiden Special Weight and Allowance win at North American racetracks (except Puerto Rico).

The FTBOA anticipates that Florida-bred incentives in 2026 – including in-state stallion and breeder awards, all-new export incentives, and substantial open-race owner awards – will total more than $20 million (plus millions in Florida-bred race purses), maintaining a bankroll as large or larger than any state-bred program outside of Kentucky.

“This initiative shows gratitude to our longtime Florida breeders and demonstrates our commitment to supporting the industry wherever our nationally competitive horses succeed,” said FTBOA CEO Lonny Powell. “Florida-breds perennially stand out amongst all regional producers across the nation, both on the racetrack and in the auction ring. These all-new incentives acknowledge that equine speed is a major Florida agricultural export.”

The 2026 programs build upon FTBOA’s recent elimination of most registration fees for Florida-bred and Florida-sired foals of 2025, further reducing costs for breeders while maintaining comprehensive support programs. Combined with the Export Incentives, these initiatives demonstrate FTBOA’s commitment to supporting Florida’s Thoroughbred industry through multiple avenues.