The future of thoroughbred horse racing at Gulfstream Park is in the hands of the state legislature, as that government body considers House Bill 105.

Sponsored by Republican State Representative Adam Anderson the proposed legislation seeks to decouple casino licenses from the requirement to host live horse racing.

The Hallandale track has become a hub for elite thoroughbred racing in Florida, hosting renowned events like the Pegasus World Cup and the Florida Derby.

However, the passage of House Bill 105 would remove the mandate requiring live racing to operate the casino at Gulfstream Park, paving the way for the historic track’s closure.

Under current law, Gulfstream Park’s casino operations are tied to the presence of live horse racing.

House Bill 105 would sever that connection, allowing the casino to continue operating without the racetrack. 

Tampa Bay Downs is the only other thoroughbred racetrack in Florida, does not have a casino and therefore would be unaffected by the legislation.

Some industry insiders view Gulfstream Park’s property, estimated to be worth over $1 billion, as prime real estate for development, further fueling concerns that financial incentives could outweigh the preservation of the track’s legacy.

The potential closure of Gulfstream Park would be devastating for Florida’s thoroughbred racing industry.

Beyond the historical significance, the track is a vital economic driver, supporting horsemen, trainers, jockeys, and numerous ancillary businesses.

With live racing already dwindling in South Florida, losing Gulfstream Park would leave Tampa Bay Downs as the state’s sole thoroughbred racing venue, isolating Florida from the broader horse racing ecosystem and diminishing its national standing in the sport.