Statement from NHBPA CEO Eric Hamelback on Florida Proposal to Decouple Live Racing from Gaming
LEXINGTON, KY (January 7, 2025) — The National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association finds it necessary to address a recent press release picked up by several media outlets regarding decoupling from live racing.
The press release from Gulfstream Park (“1/ST”) contains inaccuracies pertaining to the Gulfstream horsemen and their affiliation. The NHBPA wishes to clarify that the Gulfstream horsemen’s association is not a National HBPA affiliate. While this association had previously been an affiliate, it agreed to discontinue the use of the name “Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association.”
The NHBPA, along with its affiliates—including the Tampa Bay HBPA—and many other horsemen across Florida, cannot currently support the proposed changes to Chapter 550. At this time, these changes do not appear to offer any favorable provisions for horsemen.
For years, the NHBPA has consistently opposed decoupling from live racing, as it is detrimental to the health and welfare of the horseracing industry. We remain committed to protecting the interests of horsemen and the future of live racing and for these reasons we oppose the proposed changes to Chapter 550 of Florida statutes.
THA Statement on Recent Developments Regarding Decoupling Legislation in Florida
LEXINGTON, KY (January 9, 2025) — We have received numerous inquiries regarding the recent announcement of an agreement between the horsemen’s organization at Gulfstream Park and 1/ST Racing to support legislation decoupling the requirement for a live racing agreement that protects horsemen and ensures the continuation of live racing while the racetrack retains its rights to conduct gaming.
To clarify, the horsemen’s organization at Gulfstream Park withdrew its membership from the Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (THA) effective January 1, 2023 and is not affiliated with our organization.
While the THA does not have jurisdiction in Florida, we strongly oppose any legislation that would allow gaming license holders to separate their obligations to host live Thoroughbred racing from their gaming operations. Such legislation threatens the long-term viability of the racing industry and undermines the livelihoods of horsemen and other stakeholders who rely on a strong and vibrant racing ecosystem.
The THA remains committed to protecting the interests of horsemen and preserving live racing as an integral part of the industry across all jurisdictions.
KTA Statement Opposing Legislative Changes Sought by Gulfstream Park
LEXINGTON, KY (January 17, 2025) — Tracks and horsemen can forge a common and successful business strategy that need not be adversarial. Such collaboration brings dividends in Washington, Frankfort, Albany or Tallahassee. Racing in the twenty-first century has shown it is a responsible custodian of alternative forms of gaming and attract billions of dollars of investment equally, to the betterment of our constituents, corporate profit and tax revenue. We in Kentucky know what it looks like.
“Decoupling” is not it.
The Kentucky Thoroughbred Association has members in Florida, however, possesses no official role in Florida racing. On behalf of these members and the greater industry, we are prepared to assist as they direct.
New York Breeders’ Statement on Florida House Bill 105
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – “The New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. (NYTB), the official authorized representative of the Thoroughbred breeding industry in New York State, stands in strong support with Florida Thoroughbred breeders, owners, and horsemen in opposition to decoupling live horse racing and gaming in the state of Florida.
“The Thoroughbred breeding and racing is an important economic engine and job creator in countless states throughout the country, and aids in preserving open space, by contributing to agricultural investment.
“Decoupling racing and gaming in Florida will be harmful for horsemen, breeders, and the equine athletes that make our sport so great. Given that this type of policy change could have seismic ramifications for the industry not just in Florida but in all racing jurisdictions, NYTB lends its support to our Florida colleagues
Najja Thompson,
Executive Director, New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. (NYTB)
FTH Issues Statement Opposing Decoupling Legislation
The Board of the Florida Thoroughbred Horsemen (FTH), formerly the Florida Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (FTHA), met Monday to address HB 105, the pending legislation seeking decoupling in Florida that would allow Gulfstream Park to separate its gaming license from the requirement to continue to conduct live racing.
The Board of the FTH voted unanimously against decoupling and is against the passage of HB 105. Their statement issued Monday reads:
“The future of Thoroughbred racing in South Florida is too important and too uncertain if HB 105 is passed. We cannot take that risk without a definitive plan going forward.
The organization wants to actively engage and work with 1/ST RACING and Gulfstream regarding the future of racing in South Florida. We have requested a series of meetings with 1/ST and Gulfstream so that the interested parties can collectively come up with a sustainable solution that would be in the best interest of racing.
“Unless and until that solution is developed and agreed upon, the Florida Thoroughbred Horsemen will be against decoupling or any legislation that threatens continued Thoroughbred racing in South Florida.”
The FTH joins many of their counterparts in other jurisdictions (Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, Kentucky Thoroughbred Association, National HBPA) and major industry stakeholders such as Hill ‘n’ Dale Farm’s John Sikura, in coming down against the legislation.
