Gulfstream Parks Future in Question as Urban Location Not Great For Horse Racing

Gulfstream Parks Future in Question as Urban Location Not Great For Horse Racing

The future of Gulfstream Park, the iconic 86-year-old racetrack in Hallandale Beach, Florida, is now a subject of intense debate. Belinda Stronach, chairperson and CEO of 1/ST (formerly The Stronach Group), raised eyebrows during an interview with NBC Sports at the Pegasus World Cup Invitational by suggesting the tracks location in a dense, urban setting is not great for horses. This candid acknowledgment has fueled speculation about Gulfstreams long-term viability and the broader future of South Florida horse racing.

“The fact is that Gulfstream Park is now in a very dense, urban setting, and that’s s not great for horses, ultimately,” Stronach stated. She emphasized that the company, which operates Gulfstream, remains committed to horse racing in Florida but hinted at a possible shift in operations. Stronach and her team have floated alternatives, such as Palm Meadows Training Center in Boynton Beach, approximately 50 miles north of Gulfstream. Palm Meadows, a 1/ST-owned facility, already boasts dirt and turf tracks, making it a viable option.

Hialeah Park, another historic South Florida racetrack, was also mentioned in industry discussions, though its lack of modern facilities and its current focus on quarter-horse racing render it an unlikely candidate.

Adding urgency to the situation is Florida House Bill 105, introduced on January 6. The bill proposes decoupling Gulfstreams racing and slot-machine licenses, potentially removing the requirement to hold a minimum of 40 race days annually for the casino to operate. If the bill passes, Gulfstream would be guaranteed to host racing through 2028. Without legislative action, no such guarantee exists, leaving stakeholders uncertain.

The Florida Thoroughbred Horsemen Association (FTHA) initially supported the bill but has since reconsidered its position amid backlash from trainers and owners. FTHA representatives expressed frustration with the lack of transparency from 1/ST, claiming that the possibility of Gulfstreams closure by 2025 or 2028 was never mentioned in earlier discussions.

Despite the controversy, Stronach and other 1/ST executives have sought to reassure the racing community. “We are not looking to leave Florida by any means,” said Stephen Screnci, president of racing and business development for 1/ST. Meanwhile, 1/ST President Aidan Butler emphasized collaboration, stating, “If we’re even going to have a conversation about [closing Gulfstream], we’re all going to work together to see where the future should be and could be.”

Stronach echoed this sentiment in her NBC interview, calling for a long-term vision: “Ultimately, what is good for the industry? What is good for the trainers, and where do we want to be?”

The uncertainty has caused a wave of dissent among horse owners, trainers, and the betting public, who see Gulfstream as a cornerstone of the South Florida racing scene. The FTHA, in particular, has called for greater clarity, noting that the organization was blindsided by a three-year closure timeline presented by 1/ST advisor Keith Brackpool in January.

The stakes are high, not just for the future of Gulfstream Park but for the broader South Florida racing industry, which relies on the track as a year-round racing venue. Gulfstreams winter meet is a marquee event in American horse racing, attracting top talent from across the country and beyond.

While 1/ST has assured stakeholders of its commitment to Florida racing, its leadership has made it clear that Gulfstreams urban location may no longer be suitable. As discussions continue, all eyes will be on the Florida legislature and the fate of HB 105.

For now, the future of Gulfstream Park hangs in the balance, with the next few years set to determine whether the historic track remains a South Florida fixture or gives way to a new chapter in Florida horse racing.

Share this post :

Comments on this Article:

😊 😂 😍 👍 🎉 💯 😢 😎 ❤️

No comments available for this post.