Lonnie Powell, CEO of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association (FTBOA), announced Tuesday at the University of Arizona Horse Racing World Symposium that the FTBOA has partnered exclusively for several years with a Delaware-based company founded by former Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine and billionaire lawyer John Morgan. Their goal is to develop a state-of-the-art thoroughbred racing and entertainment complex in Marion County.
“This is the first time such plans have been publicly revealed,” Powell shared with attendees. This collaboration will utilize FTBOA’s unique Non-Commercial Horse Racing License, the only legally recognized thoroughbred permit of its kind remaining in Florida.
Powell praised Levine as “the visionary behind this initiative.” Morgan, known for his leading personal injury law firm Morgan & Morgan, is also a prominent thoroughbred breeder through a partnership with Kentucky’s Coolmore. “We created this ourselves without handlers, lobbyists, lawyers, or outside industry groups,” Powell said. “Three individuals sat down and asked, ‘How can we push this forward?’”
Levine addressed the audience directly, drawing a comparison to a famous quote about bank robbers. “When John Dillinger was caught in the 1930s, he was asked why he robbed banks. He replied, ‘Because that’s where the money is.’ So why place a racetrack in Ocala? Because that’s where the thoroughbreds are,” Levine explained.
He also defended Powell’s efforts, acknowledging the resistance Powell faces. “You get a lot of arrows. No one likes a man fighting battles. Ronnie carries more arrows on his back than you can imagine because he’s been fighting for this industry,” Levine said.
Regarding permits and future steps, FTBOA’s non-commercial permit—secured in 2011 and converted to a thoroughbred permit shortly after Powell took charge—is currently on hold in preparation for this new development. Powell clarified that, being a non-profit, the permit is meant to fund awards, purses, and horse research for breeders rather than to support real estate ventures. While the new project won’t affect racing in South Florida, regulatory challenges remain tough. Permits there are location-specific, and Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs have both signaled their intention to cease live racing.
Powell and Damon Thayer of the Thoroughbred Racing Initiative vowed to oppose a decoupling bill set for the 2026 legislative session. Thayer, former Kentucky Senate majority leader, stressed a “multilateral” strategy and praised Churchill Downs’ multi-billion dollar private investment in Kentucky’s racing infrastructure as a benchmark. He also promised to release a long-awaited feasibility study within two weeks before Christmas.
“Everyone needs to abandon the idea that we must stay tied to live racing,” Powell stated, referring to the Stronach Group. “They are now behind us in both state and national industry perspectives.”
Fan Take: This announcement signals a bold new chapter for thoroughbred racing in Florida, potentially revitalizing the sport with modern infrastructure and focused breeder support. For fans, it means renewed hope for sustained growth and innovation in a sport deeply rooted in tradition yet eager for progress.
