Jan Meehan at Churchill Downs for the Claiming Crown last fall. (National HBPA Photo)
Continuing opposition to decoupling in Florida (HB 105/SB 408)
By Jan Meehan, Tampa Bay HBPA vice president, thoroughbred owner, trainer and breeder
OLDSMAR, Fla. — The Tampa Bay HBPA, which represents racehorse owners and trainers at Tampa Bay Downs racetrack, has been clear about its opposition to the decoupling effort (Senate Bill 408 and House Bill 105) that is being considered in Tallahassee during this legislative session. From distributing t-shirts to posting on social media and meeting with state lawmakers on this issue, we have been working hard to make our voice – and the voices of those affected – heard. But I find it important to write this to make it clear that this legislation is wrong for our Tampa Bay region.
Decoupling gaming from live horse racing will bring serious harm to the Thoroughbred industry. Live horse racing is dependent on the breeding, raising and training of horses in the state and vice versa, so if you jeopardize the horse-racing industry, you stand to lose the rest of it. This includes, but is certainly not limited to, trainers, jockeys, breeders, farm workers, veterinarians and countless others who depend on the industry to provide for themselves and their families.
Live horse racing will cease to exist in the state, meaning Florida spectators who love this sport will need to travel elsewhere and those who work in this industry will need to move elsewhere or find another industry to work in. This also means that those who currently travel here – to buy horses, to race horses, or to participate in or watch one of the most beloved and cherished pastimes that has been around for centuries – will no longer come to Florida or spend their money while here.
This carries a huge price tag for the state to the tune of losing 33,500 jobs and $3.24 billion in annual positive economic impact.
I also believe this won’t be the only domino to fall if this legislation passes. Florida is proud to be a leader in many things, but we don’t want the state to become a leader of this, where other states may follow, helping to dismantle the popular equestrian sport of horse racing.
It is also important to note that gaming exists at these facilities because of Thoroughbred racing. They were allowed to offer gaming with the stipulation that it had to be “coupled” with Thoroughbred racing as a supplement to help purses (i.e., no Thoroughbred racing, no gaming permit).
It appears that there is really only one constituency asking to decouple – Gulfstream Park – as they want to be able to sell the track, eliminate live racing and keep the gaming permit for a casino.
This horse-racing industry is a big reason why I love Florida, and the live horse-racing industry is important to the Tampa Bay region, as well as to the rest of the state. Florida stands to lose a lot if this legislation passes. It would prioritize casino gambling over Florida’s horse-racing industry and the many Floridians and communities, including our rural areas, who depend on it. I respectfully ask that Florida lawmakers oppose SB 408 and HB 105 this session.
About the Author: Jan Meehan is the vice president Tampa Bay Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association, which represents racehorse owners and trainers racing at Tampa Bay Downs. He is a 51-year participant in Thoroughbred racing as an owner, trainer and breeder. He lives in Odessa, Florida.
