OCALA, FL (352today.com) – It’s an organization whose presence has played a significant role in trademarking Ocala as the Horse Capital of the World.

Ocala’s reputation as one of the world’s best places to breed, foal, break, and train horses extends beyond thoroughbred racing to include sport horses, show horses, and stock horses. However, its rich history with the thoroughbred industry dates back to a meeting in Miami on Sept. 11, 1945, when the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association was formed.

 

Jockey Sonny Leon and Big Martini in the winner’s circle after winning the FTBOA Marion County Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs in Oldsmar, FL on Dec. 14. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today
Nic’s Style established a new stakes record i the FTBOA City of Ocala Stakes on Dec. 14 at Tampa Bay Downs. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today
Nic’s Style consigned by OBS Chairman Francis Vanlangendonck;s Summerfield Sales in the winner’s circle after posting her first stakes victory in the FTBOA City of Ocala Stakes Dec. 14, 2024, at Tampa Bay Downs. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today
Morriston-based Blue River Bloodstock’s graduate Big Martini wins the FTBOA Marion County Stakes Dec. 14, 2024 at Tampa Bay Downs. Courtesy: Ben Baugh 352today

Now known as the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association (FTBOA), the organization celebrated the region with the $100,000 Marion County Stakes for colts and geldings and the $100,000 City of Ocala Stakes for fillies on Dec. 14 at Tampa Bay Downs in Oldsmar.

“I think the importance of the races today, in these two stakes in particular, Florida-breds are by Florida sires, it promotes the complete connection of the breeding industry, not just where the horse was foaled but also to lineage, and that’s always important,” said Lonny T. Powell, FTBOA chief executive officer.

Powell emphasized the impact of Florida-bred success at Tampa Bay Downs and Gulfstream Park. “Florida-breds are winning over 40% of the races, and of those 40% winners, 75% are sired by Florida stallions,” he noted. “Races like these give those people who own those stallions even more incentive to stay and expand in the game.”

In the 8th running of both stakes races at seven furlongs, Big Martini won the Marion County Stakes, and Nic’s Style established a new track record in the City of Ocala Stakes.

Daniel Walters’ and Dennis Smith’s Big Martini, ridden by jockey Sonny Leon, claimed victory in the Marion County Stakes by two lengths. The chestnut gelding, a son of The Big Beast, earned his fourth lifetime win and first stakes victory under trainer Rohan Crichton, who purchased him for $87,000 from Blue River Bloodstock at the 2022 OBS June Sale.

“He broke well and did everything perfect,” said Leon.

In the City of Ocala Stakes, Stephen Rosseau’s Nic’s Style, a 4-year-old filly trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott, won by 2 1/2 lengths with Junior Alvarado aboard. Rousseau purchased the daughter of Uncaptured for $25,000 at the 2021 OBS October Yearling Sale.

“This filly, I wouldn’t say she got a great hold of the track, but she has so much class and she proved herself with the way she ran,” said Alvarado.