At the Finish

As I sit down to write my final Prez Says as President of the FTBOA, I find myself thinking about just how quickly this past year has gone by.

We started this journey at the starting gate, found our stride, rounded the turns, headed down the backstretch and, together, navigated a year that brought both opportunities and challenges to Florida’s Thoroughbred industry. Now, we are at my finish as FTBOA president.

Serving as President has been an honor and a responsibility that I have never taken lightly. I have always believed that this organization is strongest when we remember what brings us together. We may not always agree on the path forward—and, quite frankly, it would be unusual if a group of passionate horse people agreed on everything—but our shared commitment to the Florida Thoroughbred industry is bigger.

There is much to be optimistic about as we look ahead.

There are people willing to invest in Florida racing through FTBOA’s Ocala Thoroughbred Racing permit. There are conversations taking place about its future. There is renewed energy surrounding what Florida racing can become. Most importantly, we still have an extraordinary foundation on which to build: our breeders, owners, trainers, farms, veterinarians, sales companies, racetracks, industry partners and the thousands of people whose livelihoods are connected to the Thoroughbred.

Florida has produced great horses for generations, and I believe our best days do not have to be behind us.

Throughout my time as President, I have tried to listen, ask questions, encourage conversations and represent our breeders and members to the best of my ability. There have certainly been challenging moments along the way, but there have also been many rewarding ones. I am grateful for the friendships that have grown stronger, the people who step forward when they are needed, and everyone who reminds me why this industry is worth fighting for.

Leadership is temporary. Our responsibility to the industry is not.

As I cross my own finish line as FTBOA President, my hope is that we continue moving forward with open minds, working together, for the preservation and strengthening Florida racing.

And perhaps that is the most important thought I can leave with you: we have far more that unites us than divides us.

Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving as your President. Thank you to those who offered encouragement, shared ideas, challenged me to think differently and, most importantly, showed up for Florida’s Thoroughbred industry.

The next chapter belongs to all of us.

As breeding season approaches, I wish our breeders healthy mares, easy deliveries and outstanding foals in 2027. To our owners, trainers, jockeys and everyone at the racetrack, I wish you good luck, safe racing and many trips to the winner’s circle.

May we continue to dream big, support one another and never lose sight of why we started this journey in the first place—the horse.

Here’s to the future of Florida Thoroughbreds.

See you at the races.