DeSantis' View on Decoupling Leaves Horsemen Hopeful

In a surprise visit to Ocala, Fla., April 17, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis told a crowd at Ocala Breeders' Sales that he did not support existing legislation to allow decoupling, which is the elimination of an existing requirement to conduct live Thoroughbred racing in order to operate slots machines and card rooms. The industry is opposed to the proposed Florida legislation and in Thursday's visit DeSantis aligned himself with the industry. "You can count on me as one that is not going to look favorably on legislation that's going to decimate any of our signature industries," DeSantis said, addressing from the auctioneer's stand the people gathered for the ongoing OBS Spring Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training. "We're watching all this very carefully. But I'm trying to play the role now of protecting the people of Florida from any sabotage being done in the Florida House of Representatives. This issue, you can argue it different ways, but I look at it as are you standing up for Floridians or not? Are you siding with folks who don't even live here or other interests? Or for racing and the people." The governor's comments attracted applause throughout. The Florida House and Senate are each considering bills proposed in January with support from The Stronach Group (1/ST Racing), which operates Gulfstream Park through its wholly owned entity 1/ST Racing. The legislation has been supported by three House committees and one Senate committee. The Senate's Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government postponed April 15 consideration of SB 408 and on the same day the House Commerce Committee approved a revised version of its bill, HB 1467 READ: FL House Committee Advances Decoupling, Senate Delays "I feel pretty confident saying that decoupling ended today," said owner/breeder Mike Repole, who was among several high-profile people in the industry who spoke with the governor. They included owner/breeder Mandy Pope, Ocala Stud general manager David O'Farrell, farm owner and consignor Barry Eisaman, and Hall of Fame trainer Nick Zito. "I've been pushing for us to unite from within, and unite for progress in this sport and it's been a tough 18 months," Repole continued. "I think some of the biggest benefits that came out of this was watching people who compete inside and outside of the racetrack actually unite. (OBS president) Tom Ventura, Barry Eisaman, and David O'Farrell did an amazing job. I was also grateful to see some of the biggest names in racing, Tammy and Eric (Gustavson) from Spendthrift, and Bill Farish from Lane's End. Mandy Pope was amazing. She went to Tallahassee and she spoke. Even Damon Thayer from Kentucky, to come here and help with his expertise. This was a great day for the Thoroughbred industry nationally, not just Florida." Getting the true experience of a horse sale, DeSantis and his wife and children were able to live the excitement and rush that goes with bidding on a horse at a live auction. West Bloodstock, agent for Repole Stable, signed for Hip 613, a filly by Practical Joke from the Mayberry Farm consignment for $140,000. Repole said DeSantis' children named the horse "Epic," and if the name Epic happens to be taken already, then it will be named "Epic something." "I understand the importance of the industry to the state," DeSantis said. "Not just in terms of economy, which is important. But it's a culture and a way of life and something people have known for many generations." Former Kentucky State Sen. Damon Thayer also was encouraged by the governor's appearance in Ocala. Thayer is the senior adviser to the Thoroughbred Racing Initiative, a multistate industry collaboration created Feb. 18 to advocate for live horse racing in Florida and elsewhere in the United States. The TRI's mission is to defeat the decoupling legislation in Florida that threatens a $3.24 billion industry that employs 33,000 people. "I can't speak for Governor DeSantis, but the statement he made two weeks ago, combined with what he said today at OBS, was a very strong statement supporting the working horsemen and women of Florida's horse industry," Thayer said. "In particular, I was pleased that he noted that the current decoupling bill would benefit the owner, the Canadian owner, of one company to the detriment of tens of thousands of Floridians. So honestly, from the TRI point of view, our coalition is thrilled with Governor DeSantis' statement. It was exactly what we were hoping for when we invited him to come to the sale. "Our goal remains to kill this bill and then on May 5 we're ready to sit down and make a good faith effort at negotiation on Florida racing's future." "It's been a really good day for our industry," echoed O'Farrell, who also is TRI's president. "It's great for OBS and just showing strength that we're here, we're a viable business and it was great to show him the commerce taking place in Ocala. Showing him what our industry is all about. "I'm not going to rest comfortably until it's over, until the legislative session ends or the bills actually die. But I definitely think it puts our nose in front if you will. To know that we have the governor on our side as a huge ally and supports our business is a huge win for the industry."