Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association

Florida Thoroughbred Charities Launches Online Auction

Florida Thoroughbred Charities has launched a virtual auction that will run until noon on November 8. Sponsored by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association, Horse Capital Television and Florida Equine Communications, this auction raises needed funds for Thoroughbred retirement and youth education programs.

Items include racing memorabilia, halters of champion racehorses and broodmares, unique artwork, handcrafted goods, quality services, and one-of-a-kind experiences.

View auction items here.

Learn ore about FTBOA and Florida Thoroughbred Charities here.

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Brei, Kosanovich Return to FTBOA Board, Matthews Named President

Fred Brei and Milan Kosanovich will return to the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association board of directors while Bobby Jones, Francis Vanlangendonck and Dr. Fred Yutani all remain on the board for second terms. Each will serve a three-year term that will run until October 2023.

Leaving the board because of term limits as outlined in the FTBOA by-laws were Barry Berkelhammer and Greg Wheeler. Wheeler will, however, remain on the board ex officio as a past president of the Association.

Phil Matthews, DVM, was elected as the president of the Association at the board meeting that followed the Oct. 23 annual member meeting.

“I am pleased that the board has entrusted me once again with the office of president of the FTBOA,” Matthews said. “We are in the midst of challenging times with the closure of [Gulfstream West] and obviously the uncertainty created for sales and racing by the pandemic. To take on these challenges we have an engaged board, a very capable executive committee, a terrific CEO in Lonny Powell and a wonderful staff at our FTBOA offices.”

The board also named the executive committee for 2020-21 with Matthews as president while Valerie Dailey was named first vice president. Brent Fernung was named second vice president and George Russell will serve as treasurer. Joseph O’Farrell III has been elected as secretary.

Also an FTBOA board past president, Matthews came to Ocala in 1981 as an associate veterinarian at Peterson and Smith Equine Hospital. He became a partner in that practice in 1984 and his veterinary affiliations include the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Association of Equine Practitioners.

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History Makers Abound In The Florida Sire Stakes

The FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes has been the proving ground for future champions and provided a road to the Breeders' Cup for nearly 40 years.

Started in 1982 as a showcase for 2-year-olds grown in the Sunshine State, the series has expanded under the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association to include both a win bonus program and 3-year-old opportunities at both Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs.

“The rich history of the series has given opportunities to showcase Florida stallions and the talent coming out of the Sunshine state,” said FTBOA CEO Lonny Powell. “Along the way, the Florida Sire Stakes has produced alumni that have won the Kentucky Derby, Breeders' Cup races, and national honors.”

Big Drama swept the Florida Sire Stakes in 2008 before going on to win the Breeders' Cup Sprint in 2010. That same year, Awesome Feather swept the filly division and followed it up with a Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies win. Thirteen horses have swept the series.

Not Surprising won the 1992 FSS Dr. Fager and finished out of the money in the next two legs in the FSS Affirmed and FSS In Reality. Three year later, he was named national champion sprinter.

Holy Bull won the In Reality in 1993 before becoming Horse of the Year and champion 3-year-old colt in 1994.

Hollywood Wildcat won the 1993 Breeders' Cup Distaff after finishing sixth the previous year in the FSS Susan's Girl.

Unbridled finished second in the 1989 In Reality and captured the Kentucky Derby the following year. He was also named national champion 3-year-old and has since produced four generations of Breeders' Cup winners.

Not Surprising honored a retirement ceremony on Festival of the Sun day at Calder Race Course.

Brave Raj, who won the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies in 1986, won the Susan's Girl and the My Dear Girl leading up to the Cup.

Smile swept the colt series in 1984 before winning the Breeders' Cup Sprint and was named champion sprinter in 1986.

The question remains as to whether 2020 will produce yet another historically significant Florida Stallion Stakes performance, a future Breeders' Cup winner or Eclipse Award champion. There may be a star juvenile now training at Gulfstream Park or Palm Meadows or at a training center or farm in Ocala that is just waiting for the opportunity to join the ranks of successful Florida Sire Stakes grads.

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Florida Thoroughbred History Moments: Needles’ Derby Triumph Sparks Florida’s Thoroughbred Industry

Needles was the first Florida-bred to win the Kentucky Derby in 1956. His milestone led to a flood of tourists to see the champion in the rolling hills of Central Florida.

Visitors found limestone-rich pastures and spring-fed aquifers under moss-draped live oak trees good for growing strong horses, which led to an explosion of farms in the county. More than 750 Thoroughbred farms dot Marion County's landscape today along with more than 38,000 Thoroughbreds.

Needles was inducted into the Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce for his achievement. Four more Thoroughbreds would join him before the national Chamber said, “No more horses, only humans can create an economic impact.” The horse world would disagree to the tune of $2.3 billion annual economic impact, 21,000 jobs and preservation of 195,000 acres in the county thanks to equines.

The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association has launched a digital campaign promoting the successful history of Florida-breds born and raised in the Sunshine State.

The series titled “Florida Thoroughbred History Moment” features an opening and closing image of an old-timey newsreel much like those featured in movie theaters in the 1940s. Along with the sound of the whirr of the newsreel, each video is narrated by the distinctive voice of Hugh Kelly giving an even more nostalgic feel. Based in Florida, Kelly lends his voice perfectly to the series.

Each 'Florida Thoroughbred History Moment' vignette highlights a significant achievement in Florida-bred history focusing on the people, the horses and the farms that have contributed to its success since the industry kicked off in earnest after Needles' 1956 Kentucky Derby win.

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