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Leadership representing Florida's five principal Thoroughbred industry organizations gathered in Ocala recently for a collaborative summit with the goal of uniting the Thoroughbred industry to help preserve and promote our Florida racing and breeding legacy by providing a clear and concise message to our elected officials at the local, state and national level to support our interests.

The organizations represented included leadership from the Florida Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (FHBPA), Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association (FTBOA), Ocala Breeders' Sales Company (OBS), Tampa Bay Downs Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (TBDHBPA) and Thoroughbred Racing Initiative (TRI).

Through constructive dialogue, the assembled leadership identified several key points of consensus to guide the industry in the months ahead.

Leadership confirmed opposition to decoupling efforts pursued by Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs during the 2025 Legislative Session, including severance of live racing from revenue [1] sharing agreements and any dramatic reduction in live racing days.

The group agreed that Florida Statutes, Chapter 550–the statute governing Florida's pari-mutuel and horse racing industries–is fundamentally broken and requires modernization. Of particular concern is the unregulated Advanced Deposit Wagering (ADW) market, which lacks transparency, contributes inadequately to purses, provides no support for breeders and operates outside statutory revenue-sharing structures that support live racing. The coalition committed to pursuing Chapter 550 reform once the 2026 decoupling landscape becomes clearer. No decoupling legislation has been filed to date.

Stakeholders expressed deep concern over the absence of an annual purses and race dates agreement between the FHBPA and Gulfstream Park. With the current Horsemen's Agreement expiring Dec. 31, 2025, and no reasonable engagement from the track, the impasse presents significant industry hazards.

The group affirmed continuing work on a potential Thoroughbred racing facility alternative as a safeguard against decoupling or further contraction of live racing in South Florida.

Industry leaders agreed to establish regular communication through quarterly meetings, with participation from principal decision-makers of all five organizations.

Chester Bishop, Vice President of FHBPA, said, “It was great to hear unanimous support of the FHBPA in our continuing efforts to reach a Horseman's Agreement before expiration of the current agreement on Dec. 31, 2025.”

OBS President Tom Ventura said, “The Florida horse racing and breeding industry generates a tremendous economic impact to the state while promoting and preserving greenspace. Ocala Breeders' Sales Company, Inc. stands alongside the breeders, owners, and trainers as we collaborate to navigate the landscape and educate Florida's elected officials about the importance of this long-standing signature industry.

“We must remain united to provide a path forward that enables Florida racing and breeding to thrive and remain competitive with other horse-friendly states. A healthy Florida racing and breeding industry is not only important within the state but critical to the ecosystem throughout the country.”

Mike Dini of TBDHBPA said, “We firmly believe in no decoupling and are excited to work together to keep live horse racing strong.”

Aron Wellman, Director of TRI, stated, “The Florida racing and breeding industry is in the midst of a watershed moment, and we are collectively intent on posturing the industry to succeed on all levels,”

FTBOA CEO, Lonny Powell, said, “We appreciate our colleagues from all four organizations for their constructive engagement. This was one of the best meetings of its kind in my 14 years as CEO. Kudos to Hugh Dailey for his professional facilitation.”

The coalition issued the following joint statement: “The group met with a shared commitment to oppose decoupling across all branches of government, working closely with supportive allies in the Florida Senate and Governor's Office. They emphasized unity, collaboration on related challenges, including solutions for South Florida–and reaffirmed their collective support for live Thoroughbred racing in Florida.

The post Florida Thoroughbred Leaders Unite On Key Industry Issues appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

What will racing look like in 10 years? We asked some of racing's best and brightest to give us their predictions. Want to submit an answer? Email suefinley@thetdn.com

At my core, I am an optimist. Fast forward to 2036 and horse racing is thriving. The NTRA remains a unifying voice throughout the industry and all of the major stakeholders are working collaboratively and thoughtfully to continue to make the sport fairer and safer for all involved. While some change is hard, it is also inevitable. The way we have always done things cannot be the way to do everything in the future if we want to remain relevant and not just survive but thrive.

A girl can dream, right?

We have already lost too many tracks and left major markets without ways to expose future fans, horseplayers and industry participants to the sport in meaningful ways. Each track lost is a significant one for the health of the industry as a whole. In 2036, perhaps the ownership of some tracks looks different but there is hope to preserve the ones that we have. Growing up at Suffolk Downs, we always felt like we were on the edge of extinction–we were a hard-knocking blue-collar track. The giants, like Arlington Park and Hollywood, seemed untouchable.  We have learned that no track is immune at this point and all should be treated like the endangered animal that they are.

I have optimism for the foal crop but if and only if we preserve and continue to develop the state-bred breeding programs throughout the country. These programs are the heart of the sport and bolster the agricultural economy in states like Pennsylvania, Florida and Virginia. Great horses can come from anywhere and the key to full fields and competitive racing comes from successful state bred programs.

Horse racing needs to do a better job of cultivating additional sources of revenue whether it is coming from fixed-odds or other avenues. There is a generation of folks who are enthusiastic about wagering and are so engaged through the ability to bet through their mobile devices.

The other change I hope to see in 2036? More female announcers on major circuits.

The post Racing In 2036: Jessica Paquette, Track Announcer, Parx appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Holly and David Wilson's Mr. A. P. (American Pharoah), last seen finishing second in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile, has been sidelined and will not be on the GI Kentucky Derby trail, according to a report in Daily Racing Form.

“He had a little setback,” trainer Vladimir Cerin told DRF's Brad Free. “I'm hoping he'll be ready at the end of March, which makes everything difficult.”

Cerin declined to reveal the ridgling's diagnosis, but told Free the issue had been diagnosed and resolved.

“He needs a little more time,” Cerin said.

The Wilsons claimed Mr. A. P. for $150,000 out of a runner-up effort in his debut at Del Mar in July. He graduated in his third trip to the post Oct. 13 at Santa Anita and was one length short of Ted Noffey (Into Mischief) at the Breeders' Cup Oct. 31.

The post Report: Mr. A. P. Sidelined, Off Derby Trail appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

The Australian Turf Club won an important interim ruling in its high-stakes standoff with Racing NSW, after the Supreme Court found no compelling evidence that the club was on the brink of insolvency or unable to continue trading in the short term.

Cavallerizzo found a late turn of foot and ran by pacesetter Diamond Knot in the late going to win the Asahi Hai Futurity (G1) Dec. 21 at Hanshin Racecourse.

Flying Mohawk, soundly beaten in a pair of races following his runner-up finish in the Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) in March at Turfway Park, will attempt to bounce back with a change in equipment in the $100,000 Woodchopper Stakes Dec. 27 at Fair Grounds.

The opening day of Santa Anita Park's Classic Meet, traditionally held Dec. 26, will be postponed for two days until Dec. 28 ahead of this week's declining weather forecast.

Express Kid, who sold for $2,000 at an Arizona auction last year, is now on the Kentucky Derby (G1) trail after a dominant upset victory in the $300,000 Remington Springboard Mile Stakes at Remington Park Dec. 20.

Post Time went out in style Dec. 20, running down archrival Barbadian Runner in the Laurel Park stretch to win the $99,000 Robert T. Manfuso Stakes, the final start of his distinguished career.

Chip Honcho outruns favored Liberty National and fatigued leader Crown the Buckeye in the 1 1/16-mile Gun Runner Stakes Dec. 20 at Fair Grounds Race Course.

Quisisana's swan song could still be ahead of her after her commendable third in last weekend's Hong Kong Cup (G1).

Age is nothing but a number, and in the case of Wolfie's Dynaghost, the 7-year-old son of Ghostzapper is getting better with age, winning the Fort Lauderdale Stakes in record time.

The California Retirement Management Account is proud to announce the recipients of this year's Howard "Howie" Zucker Grant Program, and has awarded $515,000 to 22 aftercare charity partners across the country.

Skippylongstocking was tenacious in winning the Dec. 20 Harlan's Holiday Stakes (G3) at Gulfstream Park, outgaming Poster by a head.

Skippylongstocking (Exaggerator) and Wolfie's Dynaghost (Ghostzapper) are on target for assignments on Jan. 24 Pegasus Day following stakes wins at Gulfstream Park Saturday.

Skippylongstocking rebounded from a pair of off-the-board efforts to win the GIII Harlan's Holiday Stakes, a prep for the $3-million GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational, and should improve for the effort, according to trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr.

“We didn't know if he was fit enough to be back to his best. He showed he was training well. [Saturday] he had to come and do it. Thank God, he did it,” Joseph said Sunday after reporting that 6-year-old came out of his game performance in good order.

Skippylongstocking entered Saturday's Harlan's Holiday off a seventh-place effort in the Aug. 2 GI Whitney Stakes at Saratoga and an eighth in the Aug. 22 GII Charles Town Classic, in which he experienced the thumps.

“I think he's just as good, training-wise. I don't think he could have been at his optimum fitness going into the race. He was coming off the layoff,” Joseph said. “There's no reason to say that was at his best. He should move forward in his next race, if everything goes well.”

Woodslane Farm's Wolfie's Dynaghost, who set a North American record while winning Saturday's GIII Fort Lauderdale Stakes, exited his 10th career stakes victory in good order.

“He looks great this morning,” trainer Brian Lynch said. “Everything appears to be how we like it.”

The 7-year-old gelding will now be pointed to the $1-million GI Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational.

Wolfie's Dynaghost boosted his career earnings to $1.35 million Saturday while making only his second start since joining Lynch's stable. He was coming off a 2 3/4-length win in the Nov. 8 GIII River City Stakes at Churchill Downs.

“He came over in really good order. There were no changes made. We just tried to keep him happy and slide him into our program. He's adjusted well, not that there was a lot of adjustment,” Lynch said. “He's just a classy horse that still has a lot of run on his mind.”

The post Skippylongstocking, Wolfie’s Dynaghost on Track for Pegasus Assignments appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

The opening day card at Santa Anita's Classic Meet, traditionally held Dec. 26, has been postponed two days and will now be held next Sunday, Dec. 28. Track officials made the decision to delay the start of the meet in the face of forecasted heavy rains in the area beginning Tuesday and continuing through Friday.

“With the amount of rain being forecast, it's important to make this call as early as possible to give everyone advance notice,” said Santa Anita General Manager Nate Newby. “Everyone looks forward to opening day as it's traditionally one of our biggest days of the year, so it's not a decision we make lightly. But after speaking with our stakeholders, adjusting the racing schedule at this time provides the best opportunity to have a great opening to kick off the season.”

Santa Anita's revised opening week schedule has live racing Sunday and Monday, Dec. 28 and 29, returning Wednesday, Dec. 31 and continuing through Jan. 4.

Entries for opening day were held as scheduled Sunday, with entries for Dec. 27, to be taken Monday, Dec. 22.

This will be the first time since the 2019-2020 winter season that Santa Anita has not opened on Dec. 26.

The post Weather Delay: Santa Anita’s Opening-Day Card Postponed to Sunday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Not to be outdone by 6-year-old Skippylongstocking (Exaggerator) in the GIII Harlan's Holiday one race prior, classy Woodslane Farm homebred Wolfie's Dynaghost (Ghostzapper) went not one but two better, winning the GIII Ft. Lauderdale Stakes as a 7-year-old in record time.

The Brian Lynch trainee, making his 32nd start Saturday, took over a year off following a run at Turfway Park in the GIII Kentucky Cup Classic Stakes in March of 2024. Remarkably, the gelded son of the great Ghostzapper returned as a 7-year-old in June of this year, winning a stakes race at Laurel Park late in the month. A second going 1 3/8 miles at Saratoga has been his only blemish in the three starts since as then-trainer Jonathan Thomas wrapped things up at Colonial Downs Sept. 13 before Lynch took over for his win in the GIII River City Stakes under the Twin Spires Nov. 8. Those last two wins, both coming in gate-to-wire fashion, set Wolfie's Dynaghost up Saturday in this prep race for the GI Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational held next month at Gulfstream Park.

Drawn along the fence in the two slot, the speedy 4-5 favorite has no issue out-sprinting this field to the early advantage with Quatrocento (War Front) keeping pace initially on the run into the clubhouse turn. It was a short distance back to Cugino (Twirling Candy) who enjoyed a perfect trip in third just off the heels of Wolfie's Dynaghost who sped out on a loose rein under Irad Ortiz Jr.

Still unpressured through a half mile in :45.84, the favorite looked every bit the winner as the field fanned out behind him to challenge with a quarter left to run. Ortiz, motionless for much of the running thus far, shook his reins a bit into the final furlong and Wolfie's Dynaghost hit another gear, bursting away even as Cugino came off of cover to make a run at him. But the pacesetter was not for catching, staying safely ahead the length of the stretch to win in a dazzling final time of 1:43.42, a new record time for nine furlongs on the turf in North America. Cugino ran second at odds of 7-2 and 8-1 shot Beach Gold (Omaha Beach) beat in the rest of the field to finish third.

“Irad told me, 'You did all the hard work and I was just the driver,'” Lynch said. “It's lovely to see an old horse like that just come into himself and get better and better with racing.”

Ortiz added, “He broke on his own. I didn't do too much. He has speed so Brian told me, 'Try to make the lead if you can. He broke sharp. I let him find his rhythm. He came back to me. He relaxed so well. After that I just let him do his thing and relax until it was time to roll. He was very professional. When we made the second turn he was traveling the same way as he was on the backstretch. Turning for home, I asked him and he exploded.”

Wolfie's Dynaghost looks primed for a run at the Pegasus Turf with Lynch saying, “No doubt. This race was a great steppingstone for it and to run the way he ran today, I think he deserves it. He's got an aura of confidence about him right now. When you see a horse run the first quarter in 22 and change and have his ears pricked like a deer in the meadow going down the backside, you know they're pretty comfortable and you know they're feeling good. I thought it was a very good field of horses and I thought to go as hard as he did early and to finish up as strong as he did, there's just no doubt he's in very good form right now.”

Pedigree Note:
Though unraced herself, Dynaire has made the most of her broodmare career. Woodslane Farm purchased her for $360,000 as a yearling from Keeneland September in 2009 and, with seven winners from 11 to race, this Dynaformer mare has produced the likes to GI Sword Dancer Stakes winner and sire Sadler's Joy (Kitten's Joy) whose $2.6m in earnings manage to eclipse that of even Wolfie's Dynaghost. Those half-brothers share plenty of other nice siblings as well including SP Lunaire (Malibu Moon) and SP Dyna Passer (Lemon Drop Kid) who herself has produced the stakes-winning 2-year-old of this year Sister Troienne (Munnings). Further back in the pedigree is MGISW Sabin (Lyphard).

Canadian legend Ghostzapper certainly needs introduction, having sired the likes of Shaman Ghost, Moira and two-time Eclipse winner Goodnight Olive. Dynaire foaled a filly by the red-hot sire Not This Time in 2024 who is her last reported foal.

 

Wolfie's Dynaghost digs in to win the Fort Lauderdale G3 for trainer @BLynchRacing. A Hat Trick today for jockey @iradortiz! #GulfstreamPark #ChampionshipMeet pic.twitter.com/1kbILjzoLW

— Gulfstream Park (@GulfstreamPark) December 20, 2025

Saturday, Gulfstream Park
FT. LAUDERDALE S.-GIII, $200,000, Gulfstream, 12-20, 3yo/up,
1 1/8mT, 1:43.42 (NCR), fm.
1–WOLFIE'S DYNAGHOST, 126, g, 7, by Ghostzapper
1st Dam: Dynaire, by Dynaformer
2nd Dam: Binya (Ger), by Royal Solo (Ire)
3rd Dam: Beaconaire, by Vaguely Noble
O/B-Woodslane Farm (KY); T-Brian A Lynch; J-Irad Ortiz Jr.
$120,280. Lifetime Record: 32-14-3-5, $1,350,627. *1/2 to
Dyna Passer (Lemon Drop Kid), SP, $232,330; Lunaire (Malibu
Moon), SP, $249,950; and Sadler's Joy (Kitten's Joy), GISW,
$2,679,910. Werk Nick Rating: A+++ *Triple Plus* Click for
the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the
free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
2–Cugino, 126, c, 4, Twirling Candy–Adorable Miss, by Kitten's
Joy. ($225,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP). O-West Point Thoroughbreds &
Jimmy Kahig LLC; B-Gage Hill Stables LLC & W S Farish (KY);
T-Claude R McGaughey III. $38,800.
3–Beach Gold, 123, c, 4, Omaha Beach–Orrery, by Smart Strike.
($235,000 RNA Ylg '22 KEESEP). O/B-JSM Equine LLC (KY);
T-Patrick L Biancone. $19,400.
Margins: 3/4, 2 1/4, NK. Odds: 0.90, 3.50, 8.00.
Also Ran: Divin Propos (Fr), Chasing the Crown, Quatrocento, Steal Sunshine, Siege of Boston. Scratched: Major Dude, Naptown. Click for the Equibase.com chart or the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.

The post Wolfie’s Dynaghost Sets New Nine-Furlong Turf Record In Ft. Lauderdale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

With 10 points on the 'Road to the Kentucky Oaks' up for grabs in the Untapable Stakes on Saturday, Hit Parade (Street Sense) found her rhythm late to top the playlist in the Big Easy.

The Gary and Mary West homebred tried the grass at Horseshoe Indy on debut and finished third Aug. 28. Sent to a maiden claimer going two turns at Churchill Downs Sept. 20, the filly scored by two lengths and then over the same course cleared a starter allowance Oct. 31.

The 2-1 choice here saved ground by cutting to the rail as Pashmina (Constitution) led the field into the first turn. Tucked in nicely behind the speed, Hit Parade waited patiently for her cue as the pacesetter continued her march up the backstretch. The juvenile cut to the three path around the far turn and began to turn up the heat on the leader by the quarter pole. Luv Your Neighbor (Constitution) had the same idea from the rail and with a furlong left the pair of fillies locked horns for the prize. In the end, Hit Parade gained the advantage in the final jump and absconded with the Oaks points.

“She broke nice and relaxed for a perfect trip,” said jockey Luis Saez. “She was a little green when we went for the lead but she quickly got going straight again and fought hard for the win.”

The second to the races for her dam, the winner has a yearling half-brother by Frosted and a weanling half-brother by Essential Quality who was in utero when Wedding Band went for $65,000 to Calumet Farm during Keeneland November.

Out of an extended female family which includes dual Horse of the Year and generational sire Curlin (Smart Strike), Hit Parade's dam was bred to Hightail for the coming season.

UNTAPABLE S., $100,000, Fair Grounds, 12-20, 2yo, f, 1m 70y, 1:42.97, ft.
1–HIT PARADE, 122, f, 2, by Street Sense
                1st Dam: Wedding Band, by Candy Ride (Arg)
                2nd Dam: Deputy Saint, by Saint Liam
                3rd Dam: Sherriff's Deputy, by Deputy Minister
1ST BLACK TYPE WIN. O/B-Gary & Mary West Stables Inc. (KY); T-Brad H. Cox; J-Luis Saez. $60,000. Lifetime Record: 4-3-0-1, $147,980.
2–Luv Your Neighbor, 122, f, 2, Constitution–Disobedient, by Into Mischief. ($350,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP). 1ST BLACK TYPE. O-Lael Stables; B-Anderson Farms Ont. Inc. & 552727 Ontario LTD. (ON); T-Michael Stidham. $20,000.
3–Pashmina, 122, f, 2, Constitution–Panthera Onca, by Super Saver. ($350,000 Ylg '24 FTKOCT). 1ST BLACK TYPE. O-Red White and Blue Racing LLC; B-Narola, LLC (KY); T-Rob Atras. $11,000.
Margins: HD, 4HF, 3/4. Odds: 2.30, 8.80, 4.30.
Also Ran: Have Faith, Actis, Miss Call, Funny Bunny. Scratched: Hurricane Kate.
Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.

Stalk. Strike. WIN!

unleashes a winning move turning for home with jockey @Luissaezpty1 in the saddle to earn 10 #KyOaks points @fairgorundsnola for trainer @bradcoxracing.#TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/kfgh30yJSi

— TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) December 20, 2025

The post Street Sense’s Hit Parade Wins Thriller In Untapable Stakes At Fair Grounds appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

D'code, who rocketed to a front-running 8 1/4-length debut victory in a swiftly run maiden race Dec. 14 at Oaklawn Park, is pointed toward the $1 million Southwest Stakes (G3) Jan. 31 at the Arkansas track.

Vincent “Jimbo” Bracciale Jr., a beloved jockey, trainer, horseman, mentor, and friend, died Dec. 15 at the age of 72.