FTBOA implements out-of-state bonus program

The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association has implemented a new program to award breeders in the state for wins outside of Florida.

The new “export” program will award $7,500 to the breeders of any Florida-bred that wins a Grade 1 and $5,000 for a Grade 2 or Grade 3 win. The program also will award as much as $4,000 for a win in a non-graded stakes, and as much as $3,000 for a win in an allowance or maiden special weight, depending on the overall winner’s share of the purse.

The program, which was approved by the Florida Gaming Control Commission, will begin in the 2026 calendar year, the FTBOA said.

To fund the export program, the FTBOA has reduced the in-state breeder and stallion award bonuses from 20 percent of the purse to 15 percent. In total, the two programs will award the same amount of money in bonuses in 2026 as in 2025, the FTBOA said.

“This initiative shows gratitude to our longtime Florida breeders and demonstrates our commitment to supporting the industry wherever our nationally competitive horses succeed,” said Lonny Powell, chief executive of the FTBOA. “Florida-breds perennially stand out amongst all regional producers across the nation, both on the racetrack and in the auction ring.”

Earlier this year, the FTBOA led a major lobbying effort to defeat legislation sought by the parent company of Gulfstream Park that would have allowed the track to decouple its racing and casino licenses. Supporters of the legislation had pointed to persistent declines in the Florida-bred foal crop as justification to push for the bill, contending that the industry needed to adjust to long-term trends.

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