FSS Shows Explosive Growth

For nearly four decades the Florida incentive program has been the key to producing national champions

T he Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ & Owners’ Association annual Florida-bred Stakes & Purse Enhancement Agreement was agreed to in August by leadership of The Stronach Group’s Gulfstream Park and the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association for 2019. The August signature date is significant as well as symbolic as to the renewed spirit of cooperation and thoroughbred industry teamwork that has been demonstrated by and practiced amongst the three leading entities.

The 2019 agreement features the nationally acclaimed FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes series which offers $1.4 million in 2-year-old stakes purses alone as well as the return of the popular, new in 2018, FTBOA funded $1 million Florida Breeder Incentive Fund which offers lucrative purse subsidies for registered Florida-breds in assorted overnight races at numerous levels under various conditions.

Additionally, FTBOA offered and Gulfstream accepted a 2019 race sponsorship package which provides for additional Floridabred/Florida-sired purse enhancements.

As a result of these agreements, the 2019 Florida-bred stakes schedule at Gulfstream will include: • $100,000 FTBOA FSS Dr. Fager, 2-Y-O colts & geldings at six furlongs • $100,000 FTBOA FSS Desert Vixen, 2-Y-O fillies at six furlongs • $200,000 FTBOA FSS Affirmed, 2-Y-O colts & geldings at seven furlongs • $200,000 FTBOA FSS Susan’s Girl, 2-Y-O fillies at seven furlongs • $400,000 FTBOA FSS In Reality, 2-Y-O colts & geldings at 1 1/16 miles • $400,000 FTBOA FSS My Dear Girl, 2-Y-O fillies at 1 1/16 miles • $150,000 FTBOA FSS Wildcat Heir, 3-Y-O and older at one mile

In addition to the $1 million Florida-bred Incentive Fund for overnight races, the agreements provide for $100,000 in Florida Sire Stakes 2-year-old maiden special weight Win bonuses, a $100,000 Florida Sire Stakes Florida Derby

“The Florida-bred racing program is designed to make it imperative for owners and trainers who race at tracks in the state to own Florida-bred horses. —FTBOA President, Brent Fernung

(Grade 1) Win bonus, and a $25,000 FSS Gulfstream Park Oaks Win bonus.

FTBOA CEO Lonny Powell said, “The interest in our Florida Sire Stakes program has really sky-rocketed when you look at the increases in eligible foals, stakes field sizes as well as bonuses paid out so far this year. With an agreement already in place for next year we can begin aggressively promoting our 2019 races and economic incentives. Our message is quite clear – if you want to run for the money at Gulfstream, you need to have Florida-breds in your barn and on your list!”

FTBOA President Brent Fernung emphasized the importance of the FTBOA and Florida-bred racing programs to the Sunshine State’s signature breeding industry and FTBOA member breeders and owners.

“The Florida-bred racing program is designed to make it imperative for owners and trainers who race at tracks in the state to own Florida-bred horses,” Fernung said. “At Gulfstream Park this past summer, it is an everyday occurrence for Florida-bred horses to run for $25,000 more in additional purses than their out of state-bred competition. You can bet that increases the marketability of our horses.”

Also emphasizing the success for the Florida-bred program at Gulfstream Park was Joe O’Farrell III, FTBOA Racing Committee chair and immediate past second vice president.

“We’ve averaged an incredible 11 horses entered in each of our FSS races so far while our FSS eligible foals have increased more than 13 percent from the prior year,” O’Farrell said. “The numbers tell the story and the purses and awards reward the industry for their work and investment. It appears 2019 should be another banner year for Florida breeders and Florida-breds.”

Florida-bred Unbridled