FL Sire Incentive Program Replaces 2YO Stakes Series

The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association today announced a new $1 million Florida Sire Racing Incentive Program for 2026, providing win incentives to owners and breeders of FSS-eligible 2-year-olds at Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs.

Each 2-year-old winner of a maiden special weight, allowance, allowance optional claiming or stakes race at either track during calendar year 2026 will earn a $25,000 racing incentive paid directly by the FTBOA - $20,000 to the winning owner and $5,000 to the breeder.

The new program replaces the Florida Sire Stakes series for 2-year-olds, a change necessitated due to the unfortunate failure by Gulfstream Park and the Florida Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association to enter into a 2026 agreement with the FTBOA, leaving no venue to host the Florida Sire Stakes races. 

"The FTBOA did not enter this decision lightly," FTBOA CEO Lonny Powell said. "We had no other choice since repeated attempts to negotiate an agreement with the parties for the last six months went nowhere."

By contrast, Tampa Bay Downs and the Tampa Bay HBPA executed its 2026 agreement with the FTBOA last year, maintaining the annual Florida Cup card of Florida-bred stakes in March.

"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," Powell said. "Florida breeders, owners and the sales segment will all benefit from this lucrative and timely initiative. With almost 70 percent of Florida-bred winners in Florida being Florida-sired, this program delivers real value where it matters most."

FTBOA President Valerie Dailey emphasized that the new program honors the legacy of Florida stallions.

"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," Dailey said.

FTBOA Administrative Vice President Steve Koch noted the broader market implications.

"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. Our breeders may invest in Florida stallions with confidence," Koch said.

"The new Florida Sire Racing Incentives Program continues the FTBOA's expanding investments in Florida's Thoroughbred industry; joining the $1 million FTBOA Export Incentives launched to reward breeders whose Florida-breds win at out-of-state tracks, fee-free FTBOA and Florida Sire foal registrations, and the FTBOA's steadfast defense against decoupling," Powell concluded.