Tom Cannell

In an effort to create greater opportunities for Florida-breds, the Florida HBPA will put up $2 million that will go toward both raising purses for Florida-breds and creating new stakes races for horses bred in the Sunshine State. Owners and trainers with Florida-breds will have their first opportunity to collect a portion of the $2 million Apr. 25 when six state-bred stakes races, each worth $100,000, will be offered on the Gulfstream card. The HBPA's decision to promote and fund Florida-bred stakes races comes after the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and...

Gulfstream Park and the Florida Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (FHBPA) are currently developing a 2026 fall racing schedule designed to provide expanded opportunities for Florida-bred horses with fewer restrictions, 1/ST Racing said in a press release on Friday. As part of this effort, FHBPA President Tom Cannell expressed strong support for owners purchasing Florida-bred 2-year-olds at the upcoming Ocala Breeders' Sales (OBS). "We are committed to providing prospective owners of these 2-year-olds with a quality and worthwhile racing schedule," Cannell said. "While the full schedule is still being finalized,...

The Florida House of Representatives on Feb. 11 passed the controversial decoupling bill backed by Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs that would allow either track to cease live racing while retaining their respective casino and card-room privileges. The 77-34 decoupling vote was largely split along party lines, with Republicans mostly in favor of it and Democrats mostly against it. The roll call came at the very end of a four-hour legislative session on Wednesday, and the eight minutes of discussion preceding its passage consisted of only one representative speaking...

   Though it was hardly a surprise that a bill that would allow decoupling at Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs was advanced Tuesday by the Florida House Commerce Committee, it was not good news for the troubled Florida racing industry. Having now been advanced by two House committees the bill, HB 881, can be scheduled for floor consideration and a vote by the full House membership. Expectations are that the bill will pass in the House. For the horsemen and the breeders, last week's news means that they will...

Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and Tampa Bay Downs will highlight accredited aftercare during Saturday's card, which features the GIII Lambholm South Tampa Bay Derby. The track will honor TAA with a named race on the day's undercard. Following the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance named race, a presentation will be made in the winner's circle and winning connections will be given a TAA blanket and gift bag with branded merchandise. A representative from TAA will also be on-site to host the winners of the VIP Experience from the "Off to the Races" online...

A total of seven candidates have been nominated for the upcoming 2023 FTHA Election, to be held Mar. 15, 2023. Nominations were submitted during the FTHA's annual General Nominating Meeting and Awards Dinner at Gulfstream Jan. 7. The seven candidates are: OWNERS Gerardo Amado Tom Cannell David Geofroy Jeffrey Siskin TRAINERS Patrick Biancone Jorge Delgado David Fawkes The Florida THA is supervised and managed by a Board between 11 to 15 Directors. Six seats are reserved for Owner/Directors, and six seats are reserved for Trainer/Directors. Three Directors may be either...

The Florida Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) has joined the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) as an industry stakeholder and has pledged its monthly financial support to aid accredited aftercare non-profits in the Sunshine State. "We take our responsibility seriously to provide care and the opportunity for a new life to our equine athletes who have concluded their racing careers," said Tom Cannell, treasurer of the Florida HBPA. "Partnering with TAA and their accredited reorganizations will provide us an opportunity to successfully achieve these mutually desired goals." Currently the TAA...