Florida Horsemen

What a ride. What a feeling. What an unbelievable journey to play a part in Florida's racing legacy. I couldn't be more proud of Bridlewood graduates finishing 1-2 in the 2025 Kentucky Derby--and another in the top 10 with East Avenue. Now that I've had a moment to reflect, I can say with certainty: this finish wasn't luck. It was a testament to Florida's standing as a hub for racing excellence. Florida, and particularly Ocala, has long been a cradle for champions. With abundant sunshine, ideal soil, mineral-rich spring water,...

The Florida Legislature has concluded policy discussions for the 2025 Regular Legislative Session, effectively killing the proposed decoupling provisions of Senate Bill 408, House Bill 105, and House Bill 1467, all of which the Florida Senate declined to approve for final passage, the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association said in a press release late on Friday. However, Florida law requires the legislature to pass a balanced state budget each year. To meet this constitutional requirement, the legislature has extended the session through June 6, but has limited the focus...

The National HBPA has sent correspondence to Florida horsemen and racing fans urging them to send a letter to Florida senators to vote no on decoupling. In it, the organization urges readers to flood the Senate, and the Florida State Senator representing their address' district, with a prepared letter explaining the grave danger HB 105--and its virtual twin Senate Bill 408--poses to a key state industry. While the Senate measure has a separate number bill from the House, the objective is reportedly the same--allow racetracks to keep their gaming licenses...

Pegasus Day at Gulfstream is one of my most enjoyable days at the races. The melding of great entertainment, world-class horses, and a great vibe shows racing at its best. It is expensive to put on and showcases our sport in the highest light. It is also the most ironic considering the recent announcement regarding the closing of Gulfstream and seeking development absent horse racing. I was perplexed to listen to Belinda Stronach on Pegasus Day speak of the non-compatibility of racing in an urban environment, despite all of the...

GSW Il Miracolo (Gun Runner) led the 2023 list of Florida-based champions, as he was named the top 3-year-old colt by the Florida Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (FTHA), according to a press release from 1/ST Racing on Thursday. The FTHA annually recognizes horses who compete year-round in South Florida. All winners raced and won during the non-championship meets from April to November. Based at Gulfstream with trainer Antonio Sano, Il Miracolo amassed $465,025 in winnings last year. He is joined by Time Passage (Tunwoo), who was named Florida's champion 3-year-old filly...

Nine nominees have been selected for the upcoming 2022 Florida Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association election, to be held Mar. 15, 2022. Nominations were submitted during the FHBPA's annual general nominating meeting and awards dinner at Gulfstream Park Dec. 11. The nine candidates are owners Brad Beilly, Adam Lazarus, Troy Levy, David Rousso and Stephen Screnci; and trainers Kathy Davey, Michael Lerman, Joe Orseno and Terri Pompay. The FHBPA is supervised and managed by a Board of 15 Directors. Six seats are reserved for Owner/Directors, and six seats are reserved...

   The Florida HBPA has named Kevin Scheen its new Executive Director, replacing Billy Badgett, who in March became Executive Director, Florida Racing Operations, for The Stronach Group. A native of Louisville, KY, Scheen has been the Florida State Steward at Gulfstream Park and Calder/Gulfstream Park West for the past 15 years. He will begin his new role on June 12.    "I would like to thank President Stephen Screnci, the search committee and the Board for providing me this opportunity," said Scheen. "I have been working with horsemen on...