Decouple

Florida's polarizing decoupling legislation, which would remove a statutory requirement that Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs run a minimum number of live Thoroughbred races in order to operate the respective casino and card room at each venue, recently had its first reading in the House of Representatives and remains pending at the committee level in the Senate. The bill has the backing and was launched at the impetus of Gulfstream's corporate owner, The Stronach Group (TSG). But in a solidarity twist that supersedes his family's business ties, 92-year-old Frank...

By now we are all well-informed of Gulfstream Park's intent to decouple their casino gaming from live racing responsibilities. I have no doubt they are very serious about abandoning live racing while expanding casinos and property development. This cynical action arrives on the heels of historic stimulus legislation--led by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association and our strong allies in Tallahassee--that stabilized racing and breeding economics. The only outstanding ingredient for an ascendant industry--racetrack operators committed to the live race. As you consider the future of the Florida Thoroughbred...

Dale Romans may train primarily in Kentucky but he comes to Gulfstream every winter. Few trainers anywhere have their finger on the pulse quite like Romans does when it comes to industry issues, which is why he was the week's Gainesway Guest of the Week and asked to help unravel the situation in Florida. The TDN Writers' Room podcast is sponsored by Keeneland. Romans, who is also the president of the Kentucky HBPA, said he took his eye off the ball because he was so sure that Santa Anita would...