Florida’s embattled horsemen found a critical ally last week in their fight against House Bill 105, a piece of legislation that would allow Gulfstream Park to decouple its casino and live racing operations — a move that industry leaders warn could devastate Florida’s storied Thoroughbred sector.
At last Thursday’s session of the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company’s 2-year-old sale, Governor Ron DeSantis publicly threw his support behind the state’s horsemen, signaling strong opposition to the controversial bill. “I would not look favorably on legislation that is going to decimate any of our signature industries,” DeSantis declared from the OBS auction ring, a clear nod to the Florida Thoroughbred industry’s longstanding cultural and economic impact.
His comments were promptly circulated in a video released by the Thoroughbred Racing Initiative (TRI), a lobbying group formed to oppose decoupling efforts. Damon Thayer, a senior adviser for TRI, said the organization had been in contact with the governor’s office for weeks, pushing for a public statement. “This is a big moment,” Thayer said. “The governor understands that racing isn’t just a tradition — it’s a vital part of Florida’s economy and identity.”
House Bill 105, backed by Gulfstream Park, has made its way through two House committees and one Senate committee. The current versions would mandate live racing for five years (House) or seven years (Senate), but opponents argue the guarantees are temporary band-aids that would ultimately lead to the erosion of Florida’s racing infrastructure.
Gulfstream Park has pushed for decoupling to streamline operations and focus on more lucrative casino gaming. But that stance has alienated every other major Thoroughbred constituency in the state, including breeders, trainers, jockeys, and small racetracks — many of whom fear that if Gulfstream is allowed to decouple, other facilities could soon follow.
“This would set a dangerous precedent,” said a spokesperson for Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association. “Decoupling is the beginning of the end for live racing in Florida.”
DeSantis’s comments not only add momentum to the opposition’s case but also shift the legislative calculus heading into the final weeks of the session. While the bill has found traction in the House, TRI officials believe the Senate — historically more cautious with gaming-related legislation — may be more receptive to halting its progress.
Governor DeSantis, who is term-limited and not seeking higher office after his second term ends in 2026, is considered a pivotal voice in any issue with broad economic implications. His stance could force lawmakers to reconsider the political cost of pushing HB 105 across the finish line.
For now, Florida’s horsemen are breathing a sigh of relief, buoyed by a rare show of bipartisan support in an industry that often finds itself on the defensive.
“The governor gets it,” Thayer said. “This is more than racing — it’s about jobs, heritage, and the future of a great Florida tradition.”
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