Legislative Advocacy Crucial For Thoroughbred Industry's Economic Survival - Episode Hero Image

Legislative Advocacy Crucial For Thoroughbred Industry's Economic Survival

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TL;DR

  • Decoupling legislation in Florida, if passed, threatens the state's $3.2 billion annual economic contribution and 33,000 jobs, impacting the entire North American racing and breeding ecosystem.
  • The Fair Grounds Race Course's Oaks trail has become a dominant pathway to the Kentucky Oaks, with trainers like Brad Cox and Brendan Walsh prioritizing it for top contenders.
  • More Play Racing's marketing strategy, influenced by a music industry background, aims to attract new fans by showcasing the sport's broader appeal beyond existing participants.
  • She's So Spicy's success demonstrates that significant achievements in horse racing are possible without massive initial investments, highlighting the importance of strategic acquisition and development.
  • The success of horses like She's So Spicy and the growing influence of Kentucky Downs indicate a trend toward horses performing well after competing in diverse racing environments, including international venues.
  • The Thoroughbred Racing Initiative's proactive educational efforts with legislators are crucial for preserving horse racing's economic and cultural significance, as the industry's existence relies on legislative authorization.

Deep Dive

The podcast "BloodHorse Monday" episode 50 highlights the strategic international expansion of top sprinter She's So Spicy, the foundational importance of the Fair Grounds Race Course for developing Kentucky Derby and Oaks contenders, and the critical legislative battle in Florida to preserve the state's vital Thoroughbred industry. These discussions underscore how strategic decisions in international racing, centralized development programs, and legislative advocacy are crucial for the sustained economic health and competitive future of Thoroughbred racing across North America.

The episode delves into the ambitious international campaign for She's So Spicy, a filly whose handlers are prioritizing lucrative purses and international prestige in the Middle East for her 2026 season. This strategic pivot reflects a growing trend of Thoroughbred owners seeking global competition and financial rewards beyond domestic circuits. The decision to target the Saudi Arabia's 1351 Turf Sprint and potentially Dubai demonstrates a calculated approach to maximizing a horse's career earnings and exposure, moving beyond traditional North American race paths. This international focus not only elevates the profile of individual horses but also contributes to the globalization of the sport, potentially attracting new investment and audiences.

Furthermore, the Fair Grounds Race Course is presented as a linchpin for developing elite Thoroughbred talent, particularly for the Kentucky Derby and Oaks. The consistent production of top-tier contenders from its "Road to the Kentucky Oaks" series, as detailed by Kevin Kilroy, illustrates the track's significance as a proving ground. This concentration of talent development highlights the importance of regional racing circuits in nurturing horses that compete at the highest levels nationally. The success of horses like Good Cheer, Tarifa, and Pretty Mischievous coming through the Fair Grounds underscores its role in the broader ecosystem, providing a crucial early-season testing ground that informs later major race outcomes.

Finally, the podcast addresses the urgent legislative fight in Florida to prevent "decoupling," a move by Gulfstream Park to separate its racing license from its gaming operations. Damon Thayer of the Thoroughbred Racing Initiative emphasizes that this battle is not just about one racetrack but the entire North American Thoroughbred industry, which relies heavily on Florida's infrastructure for breeding, training, and racing. The potential loss of racing in Florida could have cascading negative effects, impacting thousands of jobs and significantly diminishing the sport's economic footprint. The ongoing advocacy highlights the critical intersection of legislative action and the sport's economic viability, demonstrating that political engagement is as essential as racing performance for the industry's survival and growth.

Action Items

  • Audit Florida decoupling bills: Identify 2 specific legislative references and 3 key proponents for each bill to inform advocacy strategy.
  • Track Fair Grounds Oaks trail contenders: Monitor 5-10 fillies from the Fair Grounds Oaks trail for performance trends and potential future race selections.
  • Analyze She's So Spicy's international campaign: Document performance metrics and travel impact for 2 international races (Saudi Arabia, Dubai) to inform future overseas strategies.
  • Evaluate Kentucky Downs racing impact: Analyze 5-10 horses that raced at Kentucky Downs and subsequently performed well in major stakes to assess its influence on form.
  • Document legislative impact on racing: Record 3-5 instances of legislative action affecting horse racing in different states to identify systemic risks and opportunities.

Related Episodes

Key Quotes

"You know, we, we, we thought about it, right? We, but when we look at it, when you look at what, what's out there for her and unless we stretch her out above a mile, above that, I just think this was the right way, right? Look, at the end of the day, there's, there's more money over there. I don't, I'm not sure about the competition. There's definitely a lot of competition on that side of the world and we wanted to just, okay, let's put her out there. Let's send her there as long as she takes the trip. You know, well, there is a bend over there in Saudi, you know, where she can, you know, does her best and I think she's got a legitimate chance to go out there and and win. If we didn't think so, we wouldn't send her, you know, so I think it puts her, you know, it's like, okay, she's done what she's done here in the states. Let's put her out there and see what she can do over there."

Rich Mendez explains the strategic decision to race She's So Spicy in the Middle East, highlighting the financial incentives and belief in the horse's capabilities. Mendez emphasizes that sending the horse overseas is a calculated move based on confidence in her ability to compete and win.

"I think that's the norm is, is thinking about giving your horse a good spacing to have them recover, have them get right back in their minds, especially when shipping to a new track. Uh, but I'm not exactly positive in terms of what their thoughts are with that. Yeah, well, I mean, we, we see on the, on the Derby side, for example, we see a lot of the horses that end up running in a race like the Gun Runner continue in every single step. We see so often where like, you know, say Gulfstream, for example, the whole He Bowl winner will set out the Fountain of Youth, come back for the Derby, something like that. But it really does seem like these Fair Grounds horses on the Oaks end, the Derby side, they're kind of hitting every single spot as they're going forward."

Kevin Kilroy discusses the spacing of races in the Kentucky Oaks trail at Fair Grounds, noting that trainers often plan for recovery and preparation time. Kilroy contrasts this with the Derby trail, where horses sometimes skip preps, and observes that Fair Grounds horses tend to participate in a more consistent series of races.

"Horse racing exists because a legislative body somewhere in your state at some time in your state authorized it. Horse racing exists by statute authored by legislatures and then, uh, is governed by a regulatory body, a usually a racing commission. And everybody has one senator and one representative who represents them in their state capital, unless you live in Nebraska, which has a unicameral legislature and only has a Senate. But everybody has in the other other states, you've got one of each. And you owe it to yourself and the industry you love to make sure that you reach out to the people who represent you in your capitals so they understand the economic impact of racing in in every state where horse racing is legal."

Damon Thayer stresses the fundamental role of legislation in the existence and governance of horse racing. Thayer urges individuals involved in the sport to engage with their state legislators to educate them on its economic impact, emphasizing that legislative support is crucial for the industry's survival.

"We've got breeders and owners and farm owners and van companies and veterinarian clinics, uh, and the two major horsemen's groups. Uh, everybody in Florida is, is working all in the same direction, except for the two racetracks that are pursuing decoupling."

Damon Thayer highlights the broad coalition formed by the Thoroughbred Racing Initiative to oppose decoupling in Florida. Thayer points out that this diverse group, encompassing various industry stakeholders, is united in its efforts, with the exception of the racetracks advocating for decoupling.

"I, I have learned in this industry that everyone 20 years older than me is a big liar. That trainers don't want to talk and that they're not interesting. Trainers will talk and they're interesting. And they're interesting. That's right. Yeah. And we must be doing something right because here's the Forever Young plushie. So we must be doing something right."

Louie Rabaut reflects on his initial perceptions of trainers and the industry, contrasting them with his learned experience that trainers are often willing to share insights and are indeed interesting. Rabaut connects this realization to the positive outcomes of their podcast, humorously referencing a received plushie as evidence of their success.

Resources

External Resources

Books

  • "The Blood-Horse" - Mentioned as a magazine that readers can subscribe to.

Articles & Papers

  • "The Blood-Horse" - Mentioned as a magazine that readers can subscribe to.

People

  • Rich Mendez - Connections of She's So Spicy, from More Play Racing.
  • Kevin Kilroy - From the Fairgrounds, discussing the Oaks trail.
  • Damon Thayer - From the Thoroughbred Racing Initiative, discussing decoupling bills in Florida.
  • Jose DeAngelo - Trainer of She's So Spicy.
  • Joe Moore - Friend of Sean Collins, thoroughbred owner, and supporter of Blood Horse Monday.
  • Kate Hunter - Mentioned in relation to plushies from Japan.
  • Rod - Mentioned in relation to She's So Spicy's performance.
  • Barry Spears - Mutual colleague who saw She's So Spicy before a race.
  • Cameron - Managing partner of More Play Racing, son-in-law of Rich Mendez.
  • Brian - Mentioned in relation to She's So Spicy's sale.
  • John Ropes - Partner in CJ Thoroughbreds, known for clever naming of horses.
  • Corey Johnson - Partner in CJ Thoroughbreds.
  • Mark Glatt - Trainer of a horse that won a Grade 2 race.
  • Mike Riopoli - Supporter of the Thoroughbred Racing Initiative and friend of Ron DeSantis.
  • Victor Sanchez - Uncle of Damon Thayer, works at Gulfstream Park.
  • Eric Hamble - Mentioned in relation to the agrarian base of the sport.
  • Matt Dinnerman - Mentioned as a guest on the show before the Haskell.
  • Aaron Wellman - Mentioned as a guest on the show multiple times.
  • Michael Banahan - Mentioned as a guest on the show multiple times.
  • Bill Mott - Trainer of Elite Power, mentioned in relation to the Breeders' Cup Classic.
  • Michael McCarthy - Trainer, mentioned in relation to the Breeders' Cup Classic.
  • Brad Cox - Trainer, mentioned in relation to the Fairgrounds and horses like Good Cheer and Pretty Mischievous.
  • Brendan Walsh - Trainer, mentioned in relation to the Fairgrounds and horses like Pretty Mischievous and Bellabarina.
  • Steve Asmussen - Trainer, mentioned in relation to the Fairgrounds and horses like Epicenter and Track Phantom.
  • Louis Siass - Jockey, mentioned in relation to Good Cheer.
  • Ben Curtis - Jockey, mentioned in relation to Pashmina.
  • Keith Desormeaux - Trainer, mentioned in relation to Dancing in Old Town.
  • Mike Maker - Trainer, mentioned in relation to Crown the Buckai.
  • Joe Sharp - Mentioned in relation to Kentucky Downs.
  • Whit Beckman - Trainer, mentioned in relation to Simply Joy.
  • Dallas Stewart - Trainer, mentioned in relation to the Fairgrounds.
  • Al Stall Jr. - Trainer, mentioned in relation to the Fairgrounds.
  • Sheri DeVault - Trainer, mentioned in relation to the Fairgrounds.
  • Tom Amoss - Trainer, mentioned in relation to the Fairgrounds.
  • Joe K. - Mentioned as having Saratoga Empress with him.

Organizations & Institutions

  • More Play Racing - Owner of She's So Spicy.
  • Fairgrounds - Race track discussed for its Oaks trail.
  • The Blood Horse - Podcast and magazine.
  • Keeneland - Mentioned in relation to snow and sales.
  • Ocala Breeder Sales (OBS) - Mentioned in relation to training and sales.
  • Florida Horsemen - Coalition member fighting decoupling.
  • Florida HPPA - Coalition member fighting decoupling.
  • Tampa HPPA - Coalition member fighting decoupling.
  • Godolphin - Mentioned in relation to horses in New Orleans and the Oaks trail.
  • Stronach Group - Owner of Gulfstream Park.
  • Thoroughbred Racing Initiative (TRI) - Coalition fighting decoupling in Florida.
  • CJ Thoroughbreds - Operation run by Corey Johnson and partner.
  • Coolmore America - Mentioned in relation to Ashford Stud and American Pharoah.
  • Ashford Stud - Mentioned in relation to Coolmore America and American Pharoah.
  • Gulfstream Park - Race track in Florida, subject of decoupling discussion.
  • Tampa Bay Downs - Race track in Florida.
  • Palm Meadows - Training center.
  • Palm Beach Downs - Training center.
  • Pason Park - Training center.
  • Cassie Training Center - Training center in Ocala.
  • Kentucky Downs - Race track mentioned for its turf sprints and ability to host multiple races.
  • Royal Ascot - Race track where She's So Spicy competed.
  • Saratoga - Race track mentioned as a potential location for She's So Spicy.
  • Del Mar - Race track where the Breeders' Cup was held.
  • Churchill Downs - Race track mentioned in relation to training and races.
  • Hawthorne - Race track in Chicago.
  • Arlington Park - Race track in Chicago, mentioned as shut down.
  • Hastings Park - Race track in British Columbia, mentioned as likely to have no more racing.
  • Prairie Meadows - Race track in Iowa, mentioned as potentially exploding due to gaming and HHR.
  • Kansas - State mentioned as getting the green light to grow racing.
  • University of Arizona - Mentioned in relation to a program in Tucson.
  • Pizer Park - Mentioned in relation to Indiana Grand.
  • Detroit Race Course (DRC) - Old race track in Michigan.
  • Thistledown - Race track where Damon Thayer worked.
  • Maryland Jockey Club - Where Damon Thayer worked.
  • Breeders' Cup - Event where Damon Thayer worked.
  • ESPN Louisville - Radio program where Kevin Kilroy can be heard.

Websites & Online Resources

  • Blood Horse YouTube Channel - Where viewers can watch the unboxing.
  • Blood Horse Spotify Channel - Where viewers can watch the unboxing.
  • Thoroughbred Racing Initiative website - Where information about their work can be found.
  • Bloodhorse.com - Website for The Blood Horse magazine and daily email.

Other Resources

  • She's So Spicy - Racehorse, subject of discussion regarding international races, Breeders' Cup, and potential match races.
  • Forever Young - Plushie from Japan, gifted to the Blood Horse studio.
  • Ushba Tesoro - Plushie from Japan, gifted to the Blood Horse studio.
  • Equinox - Plushie from Japan, gifted to the Blood Horse studio.
  • Drexel Hill - Horse mentioned for its comeback.
  • Explore - Horse mentioned as looking good.
  • So Happy - Horse mentioned for its win and potential for distance.
  • Boutain - Horse mentioned in relation to So Happy.
  • Runhappy - Sire of So Happy.
  • Super Saver - Sire of Runhappy, Kentucky Derby winner.
  • Blame - Dam side of So Happy.
  • Tolly - Mentioned in relation to distance.
  • Kaling Rising - Horse mentioned in relation to a potential match race with She's So Spicy.
  • Eclipse Awards - Awards for which She's So Spicy was a finalist.
  • Sovereignty - Horse mentioned as a potential Horse of the Year.
  • Torpedo Anna - Horse mentioned as a superstar.
  • Ag Bullet - Horse mentioned in relation to Kentucky Downs.
  • Kaling Rising - Horse mentioned in relation to a potential match race with She's So Spicy.
  • Riquelme - Mentioned in relation to a horse.
  • Kaling Rising - Horse mentioned in relation to a potential match race with She's So Spicy.
  • Journalism - Horse mentioned in relation to the Triple Crown.
  • Elite Power - Horse mentioned in relation to the Breeders' Cup Classic.
  • Tom's Magic - Canadian bred colt owned by CJ Thoroughbreds.
  • Hang the Moon - Two-time Grade 2 winner owned by CJ Thoroughbreds.
  • Revenge of the Sis - Full sister to Darth Vader, owned by CJ Thoroughbreds.
  • Darth Vader - Mentioned in relation to Revenge of the Sis.
  • American Pharoah - Horse mentioned in relation to Ashford Stud and Coolmore America.
  • Justify - Horse mentioned in relation to Ashford Stud and Coolmore America.
  • Spectacular Bid - Horse mentioned as the greatest horse by Damon Thayer.
  • Kentucky Derby - Major horse race.
  • Kentucky Oaks - Major horse race.
  • Breeders' Cup Classic - Major horse race.
  • Florida Derby - Major horse race.
  • Gun Runner - Race mentioned in relation to Chip Humpcho.
  • La Compe Stakes - Race mentioned.
  • Silver Bullet Day - Race mentioned.
  • Mesquite - Horse trained by Sherida DeVault.
  • Golden Tempo - Horse trained by Sherida DeVault.
  • Atropa - Horse mentioned.
  • White Smoke - Horse mentioned as a potential play.
  • Pashmina - Horse trained by Rob Atress.
  • Dancing in Old Town - Horse trained by Keith Desormeaux.
  • Crown the Buckai - Horse trained by Mike Maker.
  • Historical Racing - Mentioned in relation to Kentucky.
  • HHR (Historical Horse Racing) - Mentioned in relation to Kentucky and Prairie Meadows.
  • State Bred Program - Mentioned in relation to Florida and Kentucky.
  • Florida Bred Program - Mentioned as the second leading state for Derby winners.
  • Derby Trail - Path to the Kentucky Derby.
  • Oaks Trail - Path to the Kentucky Oaks.
  • Decoupling Bills - Legislation in Florida concerning gaming and racing.
  • Gaming - Mentioned in relation to decoupling.
  • Slot Machines - Mentioned in relation to Gulfstream Park.
  • Expanded Gambling - Mentioned in relation to racing facilities.
  • Casino - Mentioned in relation to Hawthorne.
  • Sportsbook - Mentioned in relation to Prairie Meadows.
  • Agricultural Economic and Cultural Benefits of Horse Racing - Topic Damon Thayer discusses.
  • Agrarian Base of the Sport - Mentioned in relation to horse racing.
  • Equine Business Program - Mentioned in relation to UFL.
  • Stallion Registry - Part of The Blood Horse magazine.
  • Maiden Races - Mentioned in relation to Turfway Park.
  • Turfway Park - Race track in Kentucky.
  • Ellis Park - Race track in Kentucky.
  • The Derby - Mentioned in relation to the Kentucky Derby.
  • The Oaks - Mentioned in relation to the Kentucky Oaks.
  • **

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