BY VALERIE DAILEY, FTBOA PRESIDENT

It has been a while since my last Prez Says. The truth is, there hasn’t been a lack of activity—quite the opposite. There has been a tremendous amount happening behind the scenes with conversations, meetings and efforts focused on one overriding question: What does the future of Thoroughbred racing in Florida look like?

Now, we have some exciting news to talk about.

A New Racetrack in Marion County?

Gilligan Racing has announced that it is moving forward with plans to develop a new Thoroughbred racetrack right here in Marion County using the permit held by Ocala Thoroughbred Racing, a wholly owned division of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association.

Some may ask: Who are the people behind Gilligan Racing and why would they want to take on a project of this magnitude?

Perhaps the better question is: Why not?

Our industry has always been built by people willing to dream big, take chances and believe in what is possible.

Every breeder who plans a mating dreams of producing the next champion. Every owner who raises a hand at a sale dreams of standing in the winner’s circle. Every trainer who watches a young horse take its first steps onto the track sees possibilities that others may not yet see.

Our industry has always depended upon people willing to dream big—and, occasionally, people who have the vision, resources, determination and the ability to turn those dreams into reality.

The announcement from Gilligan Racing has generated a great deal of excitement and goodwill. Just as importantly, key stakeholders working toward the return and preservation of Thoroughbred racing in Florida have expressed support for this effort. That spirit of cooperation is encouraging. Restoring Thoroughbred racing in Florida will require people and organizations throughout our industry to promote the common objective: creating a sustainable, first-class future for Florida racing.

There is, however, a great deal of work still to be done.

A suitable property must be identified. A sustainable purse structure must be developed. The economics have to work for horsemen, breeders, owners, racetrack operators and the broader industry. Florida statutes will need to be addressed and, in some instances, rewritten to accommodate a new vision for racing in our state.

Of course, we have an important election ahead of us. The people we send to Tallahassee will play a significant role in determining whether we are able to create the legislative framework necessary to make a new racetrack—and a sustainable future for Florida Thoroughbred racing—a reality.

So, while this announcement is certainly cause for optimism, it is not the finish line. It is a meaningful step forward and an opportunity we must unite behind.

Our responsibility now is to continue asking the right questions, bringing the right people to the table, addressing the challenges ahead and promoting this opportunity into a sustainable future for Florida breeders and the entire Thoroughbred industry.

Investing in Florida-Breds

While we work toward the future of racing in Florida, the FTBOA continues to invest in the horses and people who are the foundation of our industry.

The $1 million Florida Sire Racing Incentive Program for 2026 provides meaningful rewards for owners and breeders of Florida Sire Stakes-eligible 2-year-olds competing at Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs.

For each eligible 2-year-old that wins a maiden special weight, allowance, allowance optional claiming or stakes race at either track during 2026, the FTBOA provides a $25,000 incentive:

$20,000 to the winning owner
$5,000 to the breeder

The format may be different, but our commitment remains the same: rewarding the people who invest in Florida stallions, breed Florida-breds and put those horses on the racetrack.

Florida-Breds Winning Beyond Our Borders

Our commitment to Florida-breds doesn’t stop at the state line.

The new FTBOA Florida-bred Export Incentives Program dedicates up to $1 million in 2026 to reward the breeders of registered Florida-breds winning in qualifying races at out-of-state racetracks throughout North America, excluding Puerto Rico.

Eligible breeders can earn:

Grade 1 win – $7,500
Grade 2 or Grade 3 win – $5,000
Non-graded Stakes win – 15% of earnings, up to $4,000
Maiden Special Weight or Allowance win – 15% of earnings, up to $3,000

These incentives recognize something we have known for generations: Florida-breds can compete anywhere.

When a Florida-bred wins outside our state, it strengthens our brand, showcases our breeding program and reminds buyers, owners and horsemen across the country of the quality of horses being raised right here in Florida. It also ensures that our breeders can benefit when the horses they raise succeed beyond Florida’s borders.

Don’t Miss the August 31 Deadline

A reminder to our breeders: August 31, 2026 is the regular registration deadline for Florida-bred foals of 2026. FTBOA members who are the breeder of record can register eligible 2026 foals for $0 through the deadline; the non-member fee is $300.

For those who miss the August deadline, extended foal registration remains available through December 31, 2026, at $0 for eligible FTBOA members and $500 for non-members. All applications must meet FTBOA’s published deadlines to qualify for the applicable registration and member pricing.

Every Florida-bred registered today represents an investment in the future of our breeding program—and another reason to keep working toward a strong and sustainable racing industry here at home.

Looking Ahead

There are still plenty of challenges ahead and much work remains to be done. A new racetrack won’t happen overnight. It will require the right location, a sustainable purse structure, legislative changes, cooperation among our industry partners and continued engagement in Tallahassee.

But for the first time in a while, it feels like we aren’t simply talking about what we need to preserve. We’re talking about what we can build.

That’s an important distinction.

Our industry has always been made up of people willing to dream, invest, take risks and believe in what is possible. Today, we have a genuine opportunity to bring that same spirit to the future of Florida Thoroughbred racing- and to create something that can serve breeders, owners, horsemen and racing fans for generations to come.

The dream is there. The opportunity is in front of us. Now comes the work of making it a reality.

— Valerie Dailey