Florida Ends Sire Stakes, Launches $1M Incentive Program

New initiative to reward owners and breeders of Florida-sired 2-year-old winners at Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association (FTBOA) has announced a new $1 million Florida Sire Racing Incentive Program for 2026, replacing the state's traditional Florida Sire Stakes series. The new program will provide $25,000 incentives to owners and breeders of any 2-year-old winner of a maiden, allowance, or stakes race at Gulfstream Park or Tampa Bay Downs during the calendar year.

Why it matters

The Florida Sire Stakes series, a centerpiece of the state's Thoroughbred industry, is being discontinued due to an inability to reach an agreement between the FTBOA, Gulfstream Park, and the Florida Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association. The new incentive program aims to maintain support for Florida-sired horses and breeders in the absence of the traditional stakes races.

The details

The $1 million Florida Sire Racing Incentive Program will provide $25,000 payments to the owners ($20,000) and breeders ($5,000) of any 2-year-old winner of a maiden special weight, allowance, allowance optional claiming, or stakes race at Gulfstream Park or Tampa Bay Downs in 2026. This replaces the Florida Sire Stakes series, which could not be held due to an impasse between the FTBOA and other industry stakeholders.

  • The new $1 million incentive program will be in effect for the 2026 calendar year.

The players

Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association (FTBOA)

The organization that champions Florida's Thoroughbred breeding and racing industry, providing legislative leadership, financial incentives, and other support.

Gulfstream Park

A major Thoroughbred racetrack in Florida that previously hosted the Florida Sire Stakes series.

Tampa Bay Downs

A Thoroughbred racetrack in Florida that will continue to host the annual Florida Cup card of Florida-bred stakes races in 2026.

Florida Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association

The organization representing Thoroughbred owners and trainers in Florida, which was unable to reach an agreement with the FTBOA and Gulfstream Park for the 2026 season.

Lonnie Powell

The CEO of the FTBOA.

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What they’re saying

“It is tragic that our breeders and owners have been denied Florida's traditional centerpiece races but we are excited to announce the new Florida Sire Racing Incentives for 2026.”

— Lonnie Powell, CEO, Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association (paulickreport.com)

“This program was designed to overlap with and honor our historical races as much as possible: 2-year-olds, Florida-sired, and meaningful owner incentives. The format has changed, but the commitment to rewarding those who invest in Florida breeding has not.”

— Valerie Dailey, President, Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association (paulickreport.com)

“This program is further evidence of a rising tide for Florida breeding. We anticipate it increases Florida-sired market values at the upcoming 2-year-old sales at Ocala Breeders' Sales Company, and assures buyers, owners and breeders that the FTBOA will hold the line on robust Florida breed and race incentives.”

— Steve Koch, Administrative Vice President, Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association (paulickreport.com)

What’s next

The new $1 million Florida Sire Racing Incentive Program will take effect for the 2026 racing season at Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs.

The takeaway

The discontinuation of the Florida Sire Stakes series is a significant change for the state's Thoroughbred industry, but the new $1 million incentive program aims to maintain support for Florida-sired horses and breeders through direct owner and breeder payments for 2-year-old race winners.