Gulfstream Park, a cornerstone of South Florida’s horse racing scene, faces an uncertain future due to potential “decoupling” legislation. This legislation could allow the track’s parent company, 1/ST Racing and Gaming, to operate a casino without the requirement of live racing. This prospect has sent ripples of concern through the horsemen community, who view Gulfstream Park not just as a business venue, but as a sanctuary, a training ground, and a place where dreams are realized. The following accounts from prominent trainers – Gustavo Delgado, Saffie Joseph, Eddie Plesa, and Antonio Sano – offer a poignant glimpse into what Gulfstream Park truly means to them and the broader racing industry. The future of this iconic track hangs in the balance, with horsemen ardently lobbying Florida lawmakers to preserve its legacy. For those involved, the prospect of losing Gulfstream means an uprooting of lives and livelihoods, forcing them to “go somewhere else” to follow their passion.
A Journey from Venezuela to the Triple Crown: Gustavo Delgado Jr.
The elder Gustavo Delgado, a highly respected trainer in Venezuela, harbored a long-held ambition to test his mettle in the United States, specifically aiming for a win in the prestigious Triple Crown races. This dream propelled him and his son, Gustavo Delgado Jr., to South Florida in 2014. They found a welcoming environment, aided by the significant Hispanic population that also provided a readily available pool of skilled help. Initially training a small string of self-owned horses, their operation grew by claiming horses, and soon, former Venezuelan clients rejoined their burgeoning stable. The ultimate prize, however, remained a Triple Crown contender.
This quest led to the acquisition of Mage, a colt with the ideal pedigree and conformation for classic distances. Despite exceeding their $100,000 budget significantly, culminating in a $290,000 purchase at the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Two-Year-Olds in Training Sale, the Delgados, along with bloodstock agent Ramiro Restrepo, were undeterred. The father recognized the colt’s potential, as did crucial partners who helped cover the cost. Mage was given ample time to develop, remaining unraced at two. His ascent began at Gulfstream Park in late January, marked by a debut win. Though he showed inexperience with a fourth-place finish in the Fountain of Youth Stakes, his development was rapid, leading to a runner-up effort in the Florida Derby and a coveted spot in the Kentucky Derby.
Against the odds, and with masterful handling by Javier Castellano, Mage staged a dramatic rally to win the Kentucky Derby by a length, a triumph that profoundly altered the Delgado family’s lives. The younger Delgado highlighted the unique advantages of training at Gulfstream, particularly its consistent weather, which allowed Mage to maintain his training schedule without interruption, unlike prospects in Kentucky and New York affected by adverse weather. However, the looming threat of decoupling casts a shadow over their future at the South Florida track. “If it’s not here, we’ll have to go somewhere else,” Delgado Jr. admitted, underscoring the transient nature of the sport and the need to “follow the horses, for sure.” Despite the uncertainty, he remains grateful for the immense gains they have achieved.
Chasing Dreams and Topping the Charts: Saffie Joseph
Saffie Joseph’s journey to South Florida in 2011, against his father’s initial reservations, was fueled by a desire to conquer new horizons with just two horses. Having already achieved the distinction of becoming Barbados’s youngest-ever trainer to oversee a domestic Triple Crown winner at age 22, Joseph felt ready for a global challenge. However, the reality of the American racing scene proved daunting. “You’re young and you’re naïve, looking back on it,” he reflected. “You feel like you’re the best but, in reality, you realize nobody knows you, nobody cares.” Facing hard times and contemplating a return to Barbados, Joseph found strength in his conviction and his father’s encouragement to “keep faith in yourself” and continue “chasing a dream.”
His perseverance has been richly rewarded. Joseph has dominated the trainer standings at Gulfstream’s Championship Meet for four consecutive years, achieving 12 consecutive titles overall. His list of accolades includes his first Grade 1 victory with the 31-1 longshot Math Wizard in the Pennsylvania Derby, and a Breeders’ Cup triumph with Soul of an Angel in the Filly & Mare Sprint. White Abarrio further solidified his reputation with a commanding victory in the Pegasus World Cup. “Seeing this happen and seeing me win so many titles in a row, it definitely exceeded expectations,” Joseph stated, marveling at the surreal reality of his success.
While he has achieved significant milestones, Joseph yearns for greater national impact, with Skippylongstocking’s third-place finish in the 2022 Belmont Stakes being his best result in a Triple Crown race to date. He believes there is still significant room for growth: “For a trainer, I’m still pretty young. We still have a lot of improving to do… We haven’t even gotten to how good we can be.” Joseph remains optimistic about the future of racing at Gulfstream, expressing faith that 1/ST Racing will engage constructively to find a solution beneficial to all parties. He views the attempt to sever the casino license from racing as a sign of disrespect to the sport that has been so generous to them, and believes a positive outcome is still possible.
Reflections on a Milestone and a Fading Era: Eddie Plesa
Eddie Plesa achieved a significant milestone in his training career when his three-year-old gelding, Raging Fury, crossed the finish line first at Gulfstream Park on April 13, 2024, marking his 2,500th victory. However, the 75-year-old trainer harbors a somber conviction that the track, which has been central to his success, may not remain a prominent venue for horseplayers for much longer. The emotions he experiences are reminiscent of the name of the gelding that achieved his milestone win – “Raging Fury.” Plesa laments the current state of horse racing, describing it as no longer the “economic engine” it once was, but rather something that solely sustains those directly involved.
Regarding the potential ramifications of decoupling, Plesa expressed uncertainty: “I don’t think there is a concrete answer. I don’t think it’s here in South Florida.” The region holds deep familial significance for him. His father, Eddie Plesa Sr., was both a jockey and a trainer, and the younger Plesa was immersed in the racing world from the age of five, obtaining his trainer’s license at 19. According to Equibase, as of April 12, he ranks 64th all-time with over $64 million in earnings, boasting 2,516 victories from 15,381 starts. His achievements were recognized with induction into the Calder Race Course Hall of Fame in 2007.
Plesa’s career highlights include Itsmyluckyday’s second-place finish to Oxbow in the 2013 Preakness Stakes, followed by a victory in the G1 Woodward the next season, contributing to a career total of $1.7 million in earnings. Developing two-year-olds, particularly Florida-breds, has been his greatest passion. Gottcha Gold, who finished second in the 2007 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile, and Three Ring, a third-place finisher in the 1998 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies and a subsequent G1 Acorn winner, are testaments to his skill. The dilapidated state of racing, exacerbated by the rise of sports wagering, leaves him with a bittersweet feeling. The closures of Calder, Hollywood Park, and Arlington Park have deeply affected him. Witnessing so many negative developments makes it difficult for him to feel optimistic about Gulfstream’s potential to endure. “Who’s going to come to the forefront?” he questioned rhetorically, expressing a lack of confidence in any forthcoming solutions.
Overcoming Trauma and Finding a Future: Antonio Sano
The Sano family experienced a profound nightmare in Venezuela in 2009 when Antonio Sano was kidnapped, twice. The first incident, an “express kidnapping,” saw Antonio held hostage and forced to withdraw funds from multiple financial institutions. The second ordeal was far more harrowing, with Antonio held for 36 days without an initial ransom demand, fueling fears of his death. “As a family hearing that, it was devastating,” recounted their son, Alessandro. “You could not sleep at night.” Eventually, the captors made their demand, an amount the family could only meet with the assistance of relatives and friends.
This harrowing experience prompted the Sanos to flee to South Florida. “I had the opportunity to leave after the kidnapping. The United States was the proper place to raise a family,” Antonio stated, with Alessandro serving as interpreter. “It was unfortunate what happened, but my children have their education and their future in front of them.” With the support of Venezuelan investors Oscar Martinez and Domingo Spadaro, Antonio gradually rebuilt his racing operation. Having secured over 3,000 wins in Venezuela, he reached the 1,000-win milestone in the U.S. at Gulfstream in January. Alessandro observed, “There are very different training methods coming from Venezuela to the United States. But he had such a strong foundation he was able to do the best of both worlds.”
Antonio Sano is deeply concerned about the uncertain future of Gulfstream Park. “It’s too valuable to be lost,” he asserted, expressing hope for a resolution that satisfies all parties involved. “There is still much to be written about with South Florida.” He takes immense pride in the education his children received in the United States, with Alessandro recently graduating from the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine. The standing of his children as United States citizens is also a source of great joy. “This country opened its door,” he said, reflecting on their new life, “when we had nothing in our pockets.”
The potential decoupling of casino operations from live racing at Gulfstream Park represents a significant threat to the horsemen who have built their careers and lives around the South Florida track. As these trainers share their stories, the deep emotional and professional ties to Gulfstream become evident. For Gustavo Delgado Jr., Saffie Joseph, Eddie Plesa, and Antonio Sano, the track is more than just a venue; it’s a place of dreams, hard-won success, and cherished memories. The fight to preserve Gulfstream is a fight to protect their livelihoods, their legacies, and the future of horse racing in the region. The outcome of this legislative battle will undoubtedly shape the landscape of South Florida’s racing community for years to come.
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