OCALA, Fla. (WCJB) – Florida’s leading Thoroughbred organization is calling Gulfstream Park’s legal challenge to the state’s 2021 decoupling law a “direct threat” to the future of horse racing and agriculture in the state.
In a statement released Wednesday, Lonny Powell, CEO of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association (FTBOA), criticized Gulfstream Park for reportedly asking the courts to release the racetrack from its obligation to host live Thoroughbred races while continuing to operate slot machines.
FTBOA officials say Gulfstream’s slot machine license was granted specifically because of its involvement in Thoroughbred racing—one of Florida’s oldest and most economically significant agricultural industries.
“Today’s news of Gulfstream Park’s court filing is deeply troubling,” Powell said. “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.”
Powell described the move as a “casino-first” attempt to bypass obligations that have helped shape Florida into a national leader in horse racing.
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“This lawsuit isn’t about fairness; it’s about Gulfstream Park wanting to operate a casino without fulfilling their racing responsibilities,” he continued. “They’re turning their back on the very industry that built their brand and bottom line.”
The FTBOA emphasized that the 2021 decoupling law was designed to preserve the core structure of Florida’s Thoroughbred industry by ensuring at least one racetrack maintained live racing in exchange for the right to operate slot machines. According to the association, Gulfstream Park’s legal challenge could erode statewide protections for horse racing, threaten jobs, and damage Florida’s position as a top Thoroughbred-producing state.
“Let’s be clear: this is a casino-first move, not a racing-first one,” Powell said. “The courts should recognize it for what it is, a direct threat to our industry’s integrity and Florida agriculture’s future.”
While FTBOA officials have not released a copy of the lawsuit, they say the court filing seeks to invalidate the decoupling law, which they argue would allow Gulfstream Park to abandon live racing while continuing to operate gaming facilities.
Gulfstream Park has not publicly responded to the FTBOA statement.
The FTBOA, headquartered in Ocala, represents more than 1,300 breeders and owners across Florida and is considered one of the most influential voices in the state’s racing industry.
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