The Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association is in full support of Florida owners, breeders, and horsemen who are against the decoupling of live horse racing from alternative gaming in Florida. They argue that Thoroughbred racing and breeding support a wide agricultural ecosystem that includes various businesses such as tack and feed suppliers, equine services, and transportation, all of which rely on the relationship between farms and racetracks. Decoupling could lead to the end of live racing and harm the agricultural economy.
A healthy Florida Thoroughbred breeding and racing industry is not only important locally, but also nationwide. The impact of decoupling in Florida would be felt throughout the U.S. Thoroughbred industry, causing harm to various businesses and individuals involved in the industry. TOBA is opposed to decoupling because of the potential negative effects it could have on the entire Thoroughbred industry.
Decoupling is a controversial issue that threatens the relationship between farms and racetracks in Florida. The article emphasizes the importance of live racing for the agricultural ecosystem supported by Thoroughbred breeding and racing. TOBA’s stance against decoupling is based on the belief that it could have far-reaching consequences for the industry as a whole, not just in Florida.
