The Horsemen’s Workers’ Compensation Insurance Trust at Gulfstream Park takes off

The Florida Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, located at Gulfstream Park, announces that applications are being accepted for their workers’ compensation program. Implemented in November 2023, the plan has been enthusiastically received and already provides coverage for more than 50 trainers.

This unique horse racing industry insurance program provides affordable workers’ compensation insurance coverage to trainers for their backstretch employees, including assistant trainers, exercise riders, grooms, and hot walkers. Trainers pay a start fee that is determined after loss runs are provided. Those who race at Gulfstream Park year-round receive a $50 subsidy from the Florida Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, making the insurance plan extremely cost effective.

“This new policy provides substantial savings in expenses for resident trainers at Gulfstream Park,” said MGSW Trainer Ron Spatz. “The security of knowing all of my employees are covered at a sizable cost savings – without the risk of being dropped or facing a rate increase if a claim is filed – was a huge factor when I decided to sign up for the program.”

The Horsemen’s Workers’ Compensation Insurance Trust provides all state coverage with the exception of New York, California, Ohio, North Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming.

“I am grateful for the years of dedication and hard work the Florida Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association has done to make this possible for us,” said MGSW Trainer Jose Garoffalo. “In the past, finding coverage for backstretch employees was not only difficult, it was very costly. And, if there was a previous claim in the past few years, the insurance would either be too expensive or nearly impossible to find. This program is a blessing for trainers at Gulfstream Park.”

The Florida Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association’s motto is “horsemen helping horsemen.” FTHA diligently represents the interests of Thoroughbred horse owners and trainers who do business in Florida – always working to foster and promote relationships with tracks, community, and government. This workers’ compensation program ensures that Florida’s hardworking trainers can protect their employees while getting the benefit of a dramatic reduction in premiums.

“In the past, Gulfstream Park trainers faced difficulties when it came to obtaining reasonably priced workers’ compensation policies for their backstretch employees,” said FTHA Executive Director Herb Oster. “Finding a solution that made sense has been on the forefront of our efforts for several years and we are pleased to be able to provide this program that ultimately saves our trainers thousands of dollars a year.”

To apply for The Horsemen’s Workers’ Compensation Trust, please contact Jana Schwartz in the Florida Thoroughbred Horsemen Association office at Gulfstream Park, call 759-256-7142, or email: jschwartz@lahbpa.org.

The FTHA’s mission is to foster, promote, and improve business conditions of the thoroughbred horse racing industry and those engaged therein, while protecting the safety of members, their stable personnel and the horses. For more information about the FTHA, please visit floridahorsemen.org or email info@floridahorsemen.org.