The Thoroughbred Racing Initiative (TRI) is preparing for Florida’s 2026 legislative session to oppose efforts by Gulfstream Park’s owner, 1/ST Racing & Gaming, to decouple live horse racing from slot machine licensing requirements. Launched in early 2023 by key industry leaders, TRI has united a broad coalition of horse owners, breeders, trainers, and related businesses to protect live racing, emphasizing its significant economic impact—over 33,500 jobs and $3.24 billion in economic activity. Their advocacy efforts, including legislative outreach and public campaigns, helped prevent the decoupling bill from advancing, with Governor Ron DeSantis signaling a veto if it passed.

Looking ahead, TRI is committed not only to defeating any future decoupling attempts but also to promoting a sustainable vision for Florida’s horse racing and breeding industry. They stress the importance of maintaining the historic agreement that allowed Gulfstream Park’s slot machines in exchange for live racing and call for collaborative solutions that preserve jobs, tourism, green spaces, and Ocala’s unique equine environment. TRI remains open to dialogue with Gulfstream’s owners but firmly opposes slot machines without live racing, aiming to strengthen and modernize the industry’s legislative framework.