The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association (FTBOA) is moving forward with plans to activate a dormant, non-profit Thoroughbred-specific state racing permit to develop a new, modern Thoroughbred racing track and entertainment complex in Ocala, Florida. This initiative, revealed publicly for the first time by FTBOA CEO Lonny Powell, aims to address ongoing threats from legislative efforts to “decouple” live racing requirements from gaming privileges at Florida’s existing Thoroughbred tracks, Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs. The FTBOA has partnered with Miami Beach former mayor Philip Levine and attorney John Morgan to pursue this project, leveraging Ocala’s status as a major Thoroughbred breeding hub with extensive horse infrastructure.
The effort comes amid growing uncertainty about the future of live racing in Florida, highlighted by Gulfstream’s lawsuit challenging the state’s live racing mandate and the failure of recent decoupling bills. While the Ocala project is still in early stages and faces significant financial and political hurdles, it represents a proactive strategy to preserve Thoroughbred racing in the state. Industry stakeholders, including former Kentucky senator Damon Thayer, emphasize the need for collaboration and funding to sustain racing both in Ocala and South Florida. The initiative reflects a broader concern about the decline of racetracks nationwide and the importance of maintaining racing venues to secure the industry’s future.
