Eureka: The De-Coupling Puzzle Is Solved!
Thursday, January 28, 2016

    Everywhere I go, de-coupling appears to be the No. 1 topic on the mind of every person I talk to who's involved with thoroughbreds. And the crux of the matter is not whether Dania Jai Alai or Hollywood dogs or Miami Jai Alai would or would not sever relations with their sports in favor of just keeping their casino permits. The only concern is the fate of Gulfstream Park.

     Nobody is worried that Frank Stronach would close his venerable track, he's just too into the game from every angle; racing, breeding, stallions, etc. And, based on his sterling reputation concerning the way he takes care of his employees, he probably wouldn't want to upend any of their lives. Rather, it's the prospect of what happens when Stronach is no longer around. Like a few of us, he's not getting any younger.

    Although I have heard from some that his daughter would continue to operate the racetrack, others have told me in no uncertain terms that it isn't so. She would shutter it in a heartbeat. I wish I had her phone number.

    So, to placate all those who have genuine concerns about their livelihoods, I have come up with the solution that should please everyone. Right now, way before the fact, we organize a group of wealthy Florida farm owners, breeders and the like to strike a deal with Stronach to buy Gulfstream Park when he is no longer around to revel in the statue of Pegasus. 

     Of course, some provision would have to be made for the new owners to also take over the casino and the poker room in order to maximize the profits and keep Gulfstream's purses at the high level they are now. Perhaps the group could buy 75 percent of the assets and the Stronach family could retain the other 25 percent.

    Here's a quickly-put-together list of some who might be interested in getting in on the deal and I picked them because I know they all have the means to make it happen. I also know I'll leave somebody out who belongs on the list and I apologize in advance.

    Charlotte Weber, owner of Live Oak Stud; John and Leslie Malone, owners of Bridlewood Farm; Don Dizney, owner of Double Diamond Farm; Mandy Pope, owner of Whisper Hill Farm; Benjamin Leon Jr., owner of Besilu Stables; the Steinbrenner Family, owners of Kinsman Farm; Leonard Lavin, owner of Glen Hill Farm; Mrs.Virginia Kraft Payson, owner of Payson Park; John Sykes, owner of Woodford Thoroughbreds, and Peter Vegso, owner of Vegso Racing Stable. Also, me, because I can't resist a good deal.

    There were times in the distant past when this idea was seriously bandied about for both Gulfstream and Hialeah Park, and because of the critical nature of the current situation, maybe those discussions should be brought back to life. Like my grandmother from Russia used to say about chicken soup:"It couldn't hurt." 

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