Florida horsemen make deal with Gulfstream to enhance statebred purses

Gulfstream Park has reached an agreement with the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association and the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association that will assure $2.5 million in purse money for registered Florida-breds in 2018, $1 million of which is being earmarked for overnight races at Gulfstream and Gulfstream Park West.

The pact not only secures the 37th running of the $1.5 million Florida Sire Stakes, the series for 2-year-old Florida-breds by nominated stallions, but also includes a $10,000 bonus in select open-company overnight races at Gulfstream Park in the summer for 2-year-olds registered in Florida; a $10,000 bonus in select open-company overnight races during the fall for 3-year-olds and up registered in Florida; and $10,000 in additional purse money in select races for Florida-breds throughout the year.

:: CLOCKER REPORT: Get workout grades and comments for the Gulfstream Park Championship meet

“We’re moving in an exciting direction with this agreement,” said P.J. Campo, vice president of racing for Gulfstream Park and The Stronach Group. “While we’ve always supported the Florida Sire Stakes and Florida stakes program, this agreement is the first to really extend that support to overnight races. We believe by doing this, it will encourage more participation by breeders and owners to breed and race in Florida year round”

Lonny Powell, CEO of the FTBOA, said, “For multiple reasons this agreement for 2018 is a winning deal for the horse owners, track, breeders, wagering public and the entire Florida Thoroughbred industry.”

◗ Gulfstream Park has also instituted a new policy giving trainers the option of voiding a claim if the horse involved suffers a fatal injury during the race, is euthanized on the racetrack, or is vanned off after the race due to lameness issues.

“The main goal of the rule is to limit the number of horses with physical issues trainers might drop into claiming races with the hopes of losing them at the claim box,” said association steward and former trainer Steve DiMauro. “The idea was to get in line with other tracks who already had a similar rule in place, and to show we here care about the horses and the people involved with them. And it was implemented with the full support of the Florida HBPA.”

DiMauro said the rule has been implemented once over the first 14 days of the 2017-18 session.