'Horsemen Fighting Horsemen?' New Organization Formed In South Florida
Thoroughbred owner Carlo Vaccarezza is spearheading an effort to replace the current horsemen's organization over the decoupling issue
Thoroughbred owners and trainers in Florida have an opportunity to help form a new organization to represent their interests in negotiations with Gulfstream Park management and politicians in the state capital in Tallahassee at a time when the future of horse racing in South Florida could be in jeopardy.
Carlo Vaccarezza, a former trainer and Kentucky-based owner whose Florida license expired in June 2024, is spearheading the effort to form the South Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association and wrest negotiating rights away from the current representative organization, a former National HBPA and Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association affiliate that is now independent of both organizations.