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Thoroughbred Racing has always been an integral part of our nation’s sports history.

 

For example, George Washington raced horses at Annapolis Maryland before the Revolutionary War.  It has even been said that General Washington would take a few days off from the American Revolution to see the weekend races.

 

Today, Thoroughbred Racing is a multi-billion dollar sport that supports both direct employment and auxillary businesses.

 

SURPRISING FACTS: 

 

  • The Florida horse industry directly provides 38,300 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs.
     

  • Spending by suppliers and employees (in Florida and other states) generates additional jobs in Florida for a total employment impact of 104,700. 
     

  • The Florida Thoroughbred Racing industry is a large part of this, generating $900 Million economic impact. This would also include $400 Million in wages.
     

  • The Florida Show horse/ recreation industry constitute sixty percent of the 500,000 horses in the state and the horse industry produces goods and services valued at $3 Billion.
     

  • The national industry has a $5.1 Billion impact on the Florida economy when the multiplier effect of spending by industry suppliers and employees is taken into account. Accounting for off-site spending of spectators would result in an even higher figure.
     

  • 440,000 Floridians are involved in the industry as horse owners, service providers, employees, and volunteers. Even more participate as spectators. 

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