I'm writing not as a big owner or industry insider, but as a small participant who loves the horse and believes deeply in this sport. Like many of you, I've watched the recent conversations about our future with hope—and frustration—as leaders struggle to come together around a clear plan while uncertainty continues to grow.
One thing has become clear to me: if we want a future that truly prioritizes racing and the people who make it possible, we may need to build it ourselves. Leaving our fate in the hands of others risks allowing racing to become a footnote in history.
The idea of a horsemen-owned track in Florida is about more than a facility—it's about independence. It's about creating a place where the people who breed, train, and race the horses have a real voice and a real stake. Instead of being tied to shifting casino priorities, we would be investing in a model where racing is the main event and decisions are made by those who live this life every day.
Our industry is filled with bright, successful businesspeople who have built and run great companies, and their experience should be leveraged to help shape a stronger future for racing. If we are unable to build something profitable ourselves, our collective fate appears ominous.
Florida has the horses, the horsemen, and the history. I envision upscale condominiums, fine dining opportunities, and other entertainment venues. How about a Championship golf course? Tee time at 8, post time at 1. A new advance-deposit wagering platform could be used to creatively retain a greater percentage of the track's handle. A track owned by horsemen would give us the chance to shape a sustainable future built on quality racing, strong fields, and shared purpose. Let's dream a bit!
I don't pretend it will be easy, nor do I claim to understand all of the hidden potholes in the road. But this sport has always been driven by people willing to take risks and believe in something bigger than themselves. This feels like one of those moments.
My hope is that a positive conversation around the possibility of a new track in Florida, owned by horsemen, continues to gain momentum. Talk to your partners, your trainers, your fellow owners, and the people in your barns. I wish I believed that more arguments about outdated ways of doing business would bring meaningful change. But if enough of us believe this idea is worth exploring, why couldn't we grow—in a positive way—with an exciting new venue in the sunny South controlled by our own industry?
Our sport is overflowing with successful people. Surely we can pool our talents, work together, and take charge of our shared destiny by building something new!
Dr. William D. Baxter Jr.
Shelby, Mich.
