Gulfstream and Horsemen reach agreement on racing until 2028

The Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association and the Gulfstream Park Racing Association announced Dec. 31 a three-year agreement that, with each passing year, will reduce the minimum number of required racing days by Gulfstream Park in South Florida.

The parties agree to the following minimum three-year live racing schedule:

• No fewer than 180 live racing days for calendar year 2026
• No fewer than 140 live racing days for calendar year 2027
• No fewer than 120 live racing days for calendar year 2028

The announced agreement comes just as the current contract expired. Florida riders and 1/ST Racing, which owns and operates Gulfstream Park, are at odds over several issues, including a wallet overpayment and 1/ST Racing’s desire to separate racing from its casino, which is far more profitable than racing. Gulfstream Park is located on valuable real estate in Hallandale Beach, Florida.

Decoupling legislation supported by 1/ST Racing, which would also have made this possible Tampa Bay Downs to disconnect was cleared by the Florida House of Representatives in 2025 before stalling in the Senate. A similar bill is expected to be debated in 2026.

The decoupling led to the demise of Standardbred and Quarter Horse racing in Florida.

A press release from the FHBPA said the agreement is intended to provide stability for riders and women and provide a sustainable path for live thoroughbred racing in South Florida. The equestrian organization and Gulfstream both said they would continue to have conversations to improve racing and explore solutions for the long-term future of racing in South Florida.

“There are many unknowns in the world today, especially in horse racing; I am so proud of the work of your board of directors and their tenacity to fight to bring some clarity to our membership over the next three years,” said FHBPA Chairman Tom Cannell.

Gulfstream Park said in a separate press release that the principles of the agreement reflect the parties’ commitment to host as many live races as possible, provided that the average field size and condition of the purse remain commercially reasonable. The number of racing days per year through 2028 results in live racing minimums well above the 40-day minimum required by law.

“As always, our goal is to run as much as possible,” said Aidan Butler, CEO of 1/ST Racing. “The reality is that the industry is changing and this framework is focused on delivering a quality racing product that is rooted in economic reality and gives riders, fans, our employees and the industry greater clarity and stability.”

Gulfstream added that the framework maintains continuity of all existing agreements, minimizes disruptions and strengthens collaboration on key industry initiatives for the next three years.

“This proposal is based on a good faith partnership with the FHBPA and the understanding that we must work together to create a new model of racing in Florida that is operationally sound, financially responsible and aligned with the long-term interests of racing in the state,” Butler said.

This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.