An effort is underway to create a new thoroughbred horse racing track and entertainment complex in Florida’s “Horse Capital of the World” as legislators consider, once again, the concept of “decoupling” and its impacts on the horse racing industry.Decoupling is, essentially, removing the requirement for live horse racing at Florida’s two tracks: Tampa Bay Downs and Gulfstream Park.If decoupling becomes a reality, it would allow for gambling operations at those two sites to continue without live thoroughbred racing.The Florida Thoroughbred Owners’ and Breeders’ Association, or FTBOA, would be the managing entity over a new track under FTBOA’s already-existing 2011 non-profit permit.” still hoping we never use it,” said Lonny Powell, CEO of FTBOA. “We really didn’t think heavily about needing it to be put into action until this year.”Powell, who’s spearheading the group, said he came together with investors like former Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine and attorney John Morgan to advocate for the creation of a new track complex as a way to save horse racing in Florida.While decoupling failed in the legislature this year, it’s already set to be taken up again in 2026. “The law right now requires to race to have those opportunities,” Powell said. “If you get decoupling, you’re not obliged to run in any live dates or do any revenue sharing, which is really a scorched earth option for the horse people.”Powell’s group opposed decoupling efforts in prior years.A new track complex in Marion County would be operated by Ocala-based FTBOA under the group’s non-profit permit.”It was always thought this would be a good place for a track somewhere down the road,” Powell said of the Ocala area.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. —

An effort is underway to create a new thoroughbred horse racing track and entertainment complex in Florida’s “Horse Capital of the World” as legislators consider, once again, the concept of “decoupling” and its impacts on the horse racing industry.

Decoupling is, essentially, removing the requirement for live horse racing at Florida’s two tracks: Tampa Bay Downs and Gulfstream Park.

If decoupling becomes a reality, it would allow for gambling operations at those two sites to continue without live thoroughbred racing.

The Florida Thoroughbred Owners’ and Breeders’ Association, or FTBOA, would be the managing entity over a new track under FTBOA’s already-existing 2011 non-profit permit.

“[We were] still hoping we never use it,” said Lonny Powell, CEO of FTBOA. “We really didn’t think heavily about needing it to be put into action until this year.”

Powell, who’s spearheading the group, said he came together with investors like former Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine and attorney John Morgan to advocate for the creation of a new track complex as a way to save horse racing in Florida.

While decoupling failed in the legislature this year, it’s already set to be taken up again in 2026.

“The law right now requires [Gulfstream and Tampa Bay Downs] to race to have those [gambling] opportunities,” Powell said. “If you get decoupling, you’re not obliged to run in any live dates or do any revenue sharing, which is really a scorched earth option for the horse people.”

Powell’s group opposed decoupling efforts in prior years.

A new track complex in Marion County would be operated by Ocala-based FTBOA under the group’s non-profit permit.

“It was always thought this would be a good place for a track somewhere down the road,” Powell said of the Ocala area.