Editor’s Note: The following is a letter sent from Dan Daley Jr. to all Florida Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association members in regards to the Florida legislature passing a decoupling bill that did not include an exemption for harness racing in the state.

Dear FSBOA members,

This is from Dan Daley Jr.

Hi everyone. I cannot begin to tell you how disappointed I am with the Florida Senate and their unwillingness to step up for us. I am confident we had the votes in the Senate, but Senate leadership would not permit our amendment to even be considered. Now is not the time to give up. We have ONE LAST CHANCE to change this.

Please copy, paste, and SHARE the post below! We need this to reach as many people as possible.

I need EVERYONE to CALL AND EMAIL (both) Governor Ron DeSantis’ office as soon as possible. If you in any way, shape, or form rely on harness racing (or you’re just an avid fan/supporter), it is NOW or NEVER. You, your spouse (send separate emails and make separate calls), grooms, blacksmiths, tack shop owners, vets, EVERYONE follow the direction below. Please do this ASAP!

Email: governorron.desantis@eog.myflorida.com
Phone number: 850.488.7146

You can create your own email and explain why this is important to you and your family, or use the draft below. Be sure to mention that we want him to VETO SB 8A.

Governor DeSantis,

My family and I are one of 10,000+ families that rely on the Standardbred (harness) racing industry in Florida. The Florida Legislature has passed Senate Bill 8A which will decouple Standardbreds, while leaving Thoroughbreds protected. Decoupling Standardbreds would mean the elimination of our industry in Florida. Thousands of Floridians will lose their livelihood for the benefit of a Nevada gaming company.

The Florida Standardbred industry has an estimated $750 million impact in this state and employs thousands in, and indirectly connected to, the industry. While there is only one active racetrack, there are 62 farms and 7 training facilities scattered across our state.

Standardbred racing has a rich history in Florida and contrary to what some say, is not a dying sport. As a matter of fact, this past racing season, the Isle Casino and Racing Pompano Park did a record breaking $81 million in just 108 days — the largest handle in the Isle’s 57 year history.

Please don’t allow the Florida Legislature to pick winners (the Thoroughbreds) and losers (the Standardbreds) at the expense of Floridian livelihoods.