Governor Ron DeSantis understands that Thoroughbred racing is a deep-rooted part of our state’s culture and economy.

Speaking at a press conference today in Ocala, the Governor reaffirmed that legacy, stating, “Horse breeding is part of our state culture – it’s part of the culture here.” He also expressed his concern for how the proposed legislation could affect the viability of our industry. He emphasized that putting Florida first means making sure Floridians can be successful. 

A thriving Florida starts with thriving industries, and our Thoroughbred legacy is a champion of that success.

©2025 The News Service of Florida.

TALLAHASSEE, FL-With opponents arguing the proposal threatens jobs in the horse industry, a Senate committee Tuesday approved a bill that would eventually allow Florida's two Thoroughbred tracks to offer other types of gambling without holding races.

BY AVALYN HUNTER

Among Florida freshman sires, none made a bigger splash at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales March Sale of 2-year-olds in training than Pleasant Acres Stallions’ Leinster. The sire of the sale’s top filly by a Florida sire, a $400,000 youngster out of the Tribal Rule mare Sea Smoke, Leinster also had a $50,000 filly out of the Pioneerof the Nile mare Pioneer Alexis. These are excellent results for a stallion that stood for $2,500 last year, and more fireworks may be coming during the OBS April sale, for which Leinster has eight youngsters cataloged.

BY BROCK SHERIDAN

Trainer Shug McGaughey will saddle Florida-bred Pure Beauty for the Grade 3 Gazelle at Aqueduct Saturday when she takes on seven other 3-year-old fillies in search of qualifying points for the Grade 1 Longines Kentucky Oaks to be run at Churchill Downs on May 2.

LEXINGTON, KY-The board of directors of Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation announced that it has authorized expenditure of $2,693,312 to fund 16 new projects and 10 continuing projects at 17 universities as well as two career development awards. The 2025 slate of research brings Grayson's totals since 1940 to more than $44.4 million to underwrite more than 450 projects at 48 universities.

COURTESY MARION COUNTY PUBLIC RELATIONS

OCALA, FL-The Marion County Board of County Commissioners proudly proclaimed April as Farmland Preservation Month honoring its rich agricultural heritage and the vital role of the equine industry in the community.