Gulfstream Park, FHBPA Expand Florida-Bred Opportunities in 2026 Fall; Extend to 2028

Tom Cannell, president of the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, told prospective owners the FHBPA will push for purchases of Florida‑bred 2‑year‑olds at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales while Gulfstream Park and the FHBPA develop a fall 2026 racing schedule designed to expand opportunities for Florida‑breds and loosen restrictive conditions. Cannell said, "We are committed to providing prospective owners of these 2‑year‑olds with a quality and worthwhile racing schedule."

The parties formalized a comprehensive, three‑year agreement that the FHBPA describes as providing stability and "a sustainable path for live Thoroughbred racing in South Florida through December 31, 2028." The FHBPA material states, "These agreed upon days establish the minimum number of guaranteed racing days for the next three years," though the release did not include the actual list of guaranteed days or the specific calendar for the 2026 fall meeting.

1/ST Racing, identified as the issuer of the press release, said the 2026 fall meeting will be developed to provide expanded opportunities for Florida‑bred horses with fewer restrictions. Cannell added that while the final card is still being finalized, "it will include stakes races designed to reward Florida‑bred horses across the board," a line the FHBPA highlighted as central to convincing buyers at OBS that Florida‑bred 2‑year‑olds will have meaningful racing opportunities.

Gulfstream Park spokesperson Duggan emphasized the track’s role in the Florida program, saying, "We value the important role Florida‑bred horses play in the success of Gulfstream Park and the broader Florida racing industry. Working together with the FHBPA, we are focused on creating a racing schedule that offers meaningful opportunities for owners, trainers, and breeders while continuing to position Gulfstream Park as a premier racing destination." Gulfstream and the FHBPA also signaled an active effort to retain and attract trainers and owners to make Gulfstream Park their racing home under the three‑year pact.

Industry context underlines the stakes of the agreement. Recent Florida‑bred success cited alongside the announcement includes Florida‑bred El Potente, ridden by jockey Hector Isaac Berrios to victory in the 2026 Thunder Road at Santa Anita, and Florida‑bred Roger That Dana, ridden by jockey Jonathan Ocasio to a Maiden Special Weight win at Gulfstream Park on Oct. 25, 2025. Those results form the competitive backdrop the FHBPA hopes to reward as it markets OBS consignments.

The FHBPA pledged to "continue to look for opportunities to enhance racing and explore solutions for the long‑term future of racing in South Florida," and Cannell noted the board’s role in obtaining the long‑term contract, saying he was proud of the board’s tenacity to provide clarity to membership. Key details remain unresolved in the public materials: the exact schedule dates, the number of guaranteed racing days, the names and purses of proposed stakes, and the full identification of Gulfstream Park’s Duggan. The agreement secures a path for live racing through Dec. 31, 2028 and sets expectations that the fall 2026 meeting will prioritize Florida‑bred stakes and broader access for Florida connections.