Members

The FTH (Florida Thoroughbred Horsemen) has announced that Executive Director Herb Oster will be leaving at the end of February to concentrate on recent health issues. Herb has been a fixture in racing both in NY and Florida for over 25 years, and as Executive Director of the Horsemen since January 2024. Herb’s great love is the Benevolence side of the business, and he instituted many programs that enhanced the lives of the backstretch communities...Read More

The Board of the Florida Thoroughbred Horsemen (FTH) met Monday to address HB 105, the pending legislation seeking decoupling in Florida that would allow Gulfstream Park to separate its gaming license from the requirement to continue to conduct live racing. The Board of the FTH voted unanimously against decoupling and is against the passage of HB 105. Their statement issued Monday reads: “The future of Thoroughbred racing in South Florida is too important and too...Read More

The Florida Thoroughbred Horsemen (FTH) is proud to welcome Tom Cannel as our new President! With his extensive experience and dedication to the horse racing industry, Tom is committed to advocating for the best interests of our horsemen and ensuring a strong future for Florida racing. We look forward to his leadership and vision as we continue working together to support our members, protect the sport, and enhance the industry for all stakeholders. Please join...Read More

It has come to our attention that, on several occasions, backside workers who accompany horses for the day’s races (ship-ins) have not been in possession of their State of Florida Pari-Mutuel License. This issue has become particularly evident when trainer staff members walk horses to the State Testing Barn without their license. Please be reminded that all personnel operating in areas under the jurisdiction of the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) must have their State of...Read More

FTH members,  Current FTH members are eligible to compete for free in an exclusive online qualifier to the $4,000,000-estimated National Horseplayers Championship (NHC), scheduled for March 14-16, 2025, at the Horseshoe Las Vegas. The online qualifier, which will be held on Jan. 11, includes a $500 airfare voucher and a four-night stay at Horseshoe Las Vegas to the winner. The NHC is the world’s richest and most prestigious handicapping tournament of the year for horseplayers...Read More

It has come to our attention that the HISA shoe rule has not been consistently adhered to. Effective January 1, 2025, any trainer’s horses in the paddock for a race, found to be non-compliant with the HISA Shoe Rule, will be subject to shoes being pulled and/or horses being scratched and fines assessed to both the Trainer and the Blacksmith. Additionally, any claimed horses found to be non-compliant with the HISA Shoe Rule will result...Read More