June 15, 2009 - Today Florida governor Charlie Crist signed a bill that expands gambling run by the Seminole Tribe, and expands gambling at horse race tracks, increasing the possibility that Quarter Horse racing will return to Florida within the year.
The bill would require a minimum of 20 days of racing in 2010, 30 in 2011 and 40 in 2012, and require tracks to race a minimum of 50 percent Quarter Horse races. It also allows tracks to run no-limit poker, simulcasting and on-track wagering; and, after two years of racing, would allow them to apply for 2,000 Class III slot machines.
There are currently Quarter Horse racing permits taken in Gadsden, Jefferson, Hamilton, Ft. Meyers and Marion counties. Tracks Pompano Park and Gulfstream Park, which currently hold live racing, also have permits.
Negotiations are underway to bring Quarter Horse racing to the historic Hialeah Park near Miami as early as December. The track, which has never raced Quarter Horses, closed in 2001. Hialeah officials reported that they have already received 9,000 job applications for potential job openings if the track does reopen.