Upcoming Events and Deadlines

The FTBOA will be once again hosting an in-person event on April 24 in Ocala at the Circle Square Cultural Center. The event includes a cocktail reception, silent auction, dinner, and awards ceremony. The event is capped at 250 people. Award winners, gala sponsors and distinguished VIPs receive priority. The evening attire is a cocktail dress, gown, or suit and tie in the suggested colors of dark to turquoise blue, gold, black or silver.

Sponsorship packages include onsite event packages, a publication package, and a TV show package. Sponsorships packages starting at $500 are available online at ftboa.com/Member-Benefits/Events or contact 352-629-2160 by March 15.

The Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association is hosting a Pedigree & Conformation Clinic on Sunday and Monday, March 19-20, in Ocala, Fla. The clinic will be held at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales and Ocala Stud, in conjunction with the OBS March Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training.

Speakers include the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association president George Isaacs; Dr. Johnny Mac Smith, DVM; Marette Farrell (bloodstock agent); Tod Wojciechowski, director of sales for Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company; David O’Farrell from Ocala Stud, Tami Bobo, and more. Attendees will receive insights on pedigree and conformation evaluation from industry professionals and observe conformation evaluations.

The TOBA Pedigree & Conformation Clinic is for beginners to knowledgeable owners and breeders looking to continue their education. The clinic is open to the general public, with a special discount for TOBA and FTBOA members. FTBOA members receive a $25 discount. Meals, educational materials, and a TOBA gift bag are included in registration. Registration is available online at: toba.memberclicks.net/seminarsclinics.

Recent Florida Horse podcasts are available that focus on stallion selection for the breeding season. Stallion selection episodes include guests: David O’Farrell, Ocala Stud; Brent & Crystal Fernung, Journeyman Stud; Harlan Malter, Bucchero standing at Pleasant Acres; Krista Seltzer, Solera Farm; and Mary Lightner, Chance It standing at Journeyman Stud. The podcasts are available on popular audio or video podcast platforms, the FTBOA Youtube channel, and on FTBOA’s social media channels.

The Florida Sire Stakes races are scheduled as follows:

Sept. 9 - $100,000 FSS Desert Vixen Stakes and $100,000 FSS Dr. Fager Stakes, both at six furlongs

Oct. 21 - $200,000 FSS Susan’s Girl Stakes and $200,000 FSS Affirmed Stakes, both at seven furlongs

Dec. 2 - $300,000 FSS My Dear Girl Stakes and $300,000 In Reality Stakes, both at 1 1/6 miles

Florida Sire Stakes last chance 2-year-old payment – May 1 (if no other payments have been made and horse is unraced)

Florida Sire Stakes yearling payment – May 15 TFH