CARTOON BY REMI BELLOCQ

seye as many times as possible. Succinctly, John and Leslie are incredible people and employers. To be able to communicate with and tap into John’s experience and acumen is awe-inspiring to all that meet him. Leslie is super sharp also and a very accomplished equestrian, as well as being an unbelievable construction planner and supervisor. She is in charge of everything being constructed and improved here at the farm. They have truly provided us with the necessary resources to play once again at a prominent level on the national stage. Bridlewood has had a long rich history of raising good horses, and I truly believe that our best history is yet to be written—in the very near future.

TFH—We understand that the FTBOA’s agreement with Gulfstream and the FTHA on the 2023 Florida-bred Stakes Program, including the 2023 Florida Stallion Stakes, remains up in the air, as does any 2023 contribution from ADW to breeder and stallion awards. Any update you can provide?

GI—Well, that one is a curious situation. Our Florida-bred stakes agreement with Tampa Bay Downs and its horsemen was signed more than two months ago, which is typically when we would enter into our agreement with Gulfstream. And, as you referenced, Gulfstream’s contribution from ADW to breeder and stallion awards is set to end as of Dec. 31, 2022, per Gulfstream’s termination of our current agreement on that subject. We have been repeatedly reaching out to Gulfstream and the FTHA since the summer. In late October, Gulfstream started to engage with us, and we have promptly provided them with information and requested data. Finally, on Dec. 6, we received proposed terms from them. We asked some reasonable questions about their proposed ADW terms, and we are still awaiting a response from Gulfstream, most significantly on what they would mean in actual dollars to breeder and stallion awards.

TFH—Why should a horse farm owner or stable owner breed, buy, and race Florida-breds?

GI—By now, I believe everyone knows why Ocala is the Horse Capital of the World. As it relates to the Thoroughbred, we all know about the limestone enriched soil, spring water aquifer, and abundant sunshine. That is the proverbial trifecta for raising good horses. Furthering these ideal conditions are two racetracks in Tampa Bay Downs and Gulfstream Park who both have strong racing products, which are magnified by the lucrative Florida Sire Stakes program. Those who truly commit to the Florida Sire Stakes program can be richly rewarded. Of course, the FTBOA is always working hard to improve all our programs that promote Florida-Breds. Breeders’ awards are paid all the way through third place now, giving everyone an extra chance to see a return on their investment. TFH

All terms of FSS and any other FTBOA racing incentives, including number of races, purse levels, race conditions, racing dates and the host track may change from year to year and may change at any point after the FSS for a particular year is announced.

Lonny T. Powell, CEO Tammy A. Gantt, AVP Membership Services & Events 801 SW 60th Ave. • Ocala, FL 34474 • 352-629-2160 • Fax: 352-629-3603 www.ftboa.com • info@ftboa.com www.facebook.com/thefloridahorse

Photo by Serita Hult