Horse CountryWednesday, November 4
Racetrack developers say they've secured 300 acres in Marion County for a Thoroughbred track
The Daily Ocala team
If you've been waiting on a Marion County racetrack, there's movement. Gilligan Racing, LLC and the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association said in an Oct. 28 press release that they've "secured control" of some 300 acres for a Thoroughbred track. They haven't said where.
300 acressecured for a Thoroughbred racing facility in Marion County
The partners say they have the land, and the location is still under wraps. They've teased more updates soon.
Source: 352Today.com
The track would run on Florida's lone remaining Thoroughbred racing permit, held by FTBOA's nonprofit subsidiary, Ocala Thoroughbred Racing. FTBOA CEO Lonny Powell wrote Tuesday that a replacement track "dominates all other priorities," after Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs pursued legislation to decouple gaming from live racing.
- Land: some 300 acres, location not yet announced
- Permit: can't be transferred, leased or sold
- Stage: "early planning stages," per the announcement
- Location: by law, the permit's track must be in Marion County
The Marion County track permit dates to 2010
- 2010Enabling legislation for the nonprofit Thoroughbred permit passed.
- 2011Ocala Thoroughbred Racing was founded.
- Oct. 23FTBOA's annual meeting video was presented.
- Oct. 28Gilligan Racing and FTBOA announced they had secured the land.
Sources: 352Today.com, FTBOA
Gilligan Racing will work with Marion County, the state and regulators on approvals and infrastructure. Plans, partners and timeline will come "as planning progresses," the announcement said.
Sources: 352Today.com, FTBOA