PRESS RELEASE

OCALA, FL—Today’s news of Gulfstream Park’s court filing is deeply troubling. After benefiting for decades from the prestige and profits of Florida’s Thoroughbred industry, they’re now asking the courts to let them abandon it entirely.

Gulfstream Park is one of the few entities in Florida authorized to operate slot machines—a privilege they obtained specifically from their involvement with Thoroughbred racing. This relationship has provided substantial economic benefits to the state for generations.

This lawsuit isn’t about fairness; it’s about Gulfstream Park wanting to operate a casino without fulfilling their racing responsibilities. They’re turning their back on the very industry that built their brand and bottom line.

The 2021 decoupling law was designed to preserve Florida’s core horse racing institutions. Gulfstream Park’s attempt to overturn it would open the flood gates; eroding Thoroughbred racing statewide, threatening family farms, rural jobs and a multibillion-dollar agricultural economy.

Florida is among the nation’s leaders in Thoroughbred racing demonstrated by our consistent racetrack success, substantial economic contribution, and status as a premier racing destination. Undermining these industry protections jeopardizes that leadership and invites other states to take our place.

Let’s be clear: this is a casino-first move, not a racing-first one. The courts should recognize it for what it is—a direct threat to our industry’s integrity and Florida agriculture’s future.

Return to the August 6 issue of Wire to Wire