The future of thoroughbred horse racing at Gulfstream Park, one of Florida’s most iconic racing venues, hangs in the balance as the state legislature considers House Bill 105. Sponsored by Florida State Representative Adam Anderson (R-Tarpon Springs), the proposed legislation seeks to “decouple” casino licenses from the requirement to host live horse racing. If passed, the bill could bring an end to Gulfstream Park’s storied tradition of thoroughbred racing.
Gulfstream Park, located at 901 S. Federal Highway in Hallandale Beach, has been a cornerstone of Florida’s horse racing culture since it first opened in 1939. After reopening in 1944 following a brief closure, the track grew to become a hub for elite thoroughbred racing, hosting renowned events like the Pegasus World Cup and the Florida Derby. However, the passage of House Bill 105 would remove the mandate requiring live racing to operate the casino at Gulfstream Park, paving the way for the track’s closure.
Renowned horse trainer Dale Romans, who has been a vocal critic of the bill, expressed his concerns following a recent meeting to discuss its implications. “Racing could end here,” Romans said. “The horsemen and the racetrack are partners. We get part of the money for purses. They want to go to Tallahassee and separate the two, keep the money, and said they would subsidize us and guarantee three years. But three years is nothing.”
Under current law, Gulfstream Park’s casino operations are tied to the presence of live horse racing. House Bill 105 would sever that connection, allowing the casino to continue operating without the racetrack. Tampa Bay Downs, the only other thoroughbred racetrack in Florida, does not have a casino and would remain unaffected by the legislation.
This decoupling effort follows a broader trend in Florida. Previous legislative measures have already decoupled casino licenses from other forms of racing, such as greyhound racing, leading to a decline in live events. Now, Gulfstream Park faces a similar fate, and industry experts fear this could mark the end of thoroughbred racing in South Florida.
Some industry insiders view Gulfstream Park’s property, estimated to be worth over $1 billion, as prime real estate for development, further fueling concerns that financial incentives could outweigh the preservation of the track’s legacy.
The potential closure of Gulfstream Park would be devastating for Florida’s thoroughbred racing industry. Beyond the historical significance, the track is a vital economic driver, supporting horsemen, trainers, jockeys, and numerous ancillary businesses. Romans argued that the proposed three-year subsidy as part of the legislation offers little reassurance. “Three years is nothing,” he said, emphasizing the long-term ramifications for the sport.
With live racing already dwindling in South Florida, losing Gulfstream Park would leave Tampa Bay Downs as the state’s sole thoroughbred racing venue, isolating Florida from the broader horse racing ecosystem and diminishing its national standing in the sport.
As the debate over House Bill 105 unfolds in Tallahassee, stakeholders in the horse racing industry are rallying to protect Gulfstream Park. “I don’t think it’s right or fair, and it would be a shame for this historic place to go away,” Romans said, highlighting the sentiment shared by many who cherish the track’s legacy.
Gulfstream Park has long been more than just a racetrack—it is a symbol of Florida’s equestrian heritage. The passage of House Bill 105 could irrevocably change that, ending nearly a century of racing history in Hallandale Beach. The clock is ticking, and the future of this iconic venue is now a matter of political will and public advocacy.
