Herb Oster

Herb Oster will step down from his position as executive director of the Florida Thoroughbred Horsemen at the end of February, citing recent health issues, according to a release from the organization. He has held the position since January 2024. During his tenure, Oster initiated numerous programs aimed at improving the lives of the backstretch communities at both Gulfstream Park and Palm Meadows Training Center. "The organization extends its best wishes to Herb for his future endeavors and health," the FTH release said. "His contributions to the Thoroughbred racing community...

1/ST Racing's Gulfstream Park and the Florida Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association (FHBA) have reached an agreement to support changes to Chapter 550 of the existing State Legislation--decoupling regulations--that will enable Gulfstream Park's live racing schedule to become independent of the venue's parimutuel license, it was announced by 1/ST Racing Monday. The basis for the agreement, "unique and designed to address the needs of Florida and consistent with similar gaming entities in the region," said 1/ST, "allows 1/ST to pursue necessary opportunities for development at Gulfstream Park. The agreement ensures...

The Florida Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association pledged its support to the Thoroughbred Racing Association of Oklahoma after a tornado struck Will Rogers Downs May 27--killing one horse, while injuring and displacing others. Approximately 150 horses were affected by the tornado, which caused widespread damage in northeast Oklahoma, damaged 14 barns on the backside and left the location without power and water. The aftermath also left horse trailers, travel trailers, and buildings significantly damaged and the loss of power resulted in a lack of water and the need for immediate evacuation. "The...

The Florida Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association and Gulfstream Park hosted their annual Christmas lunch Monday and Tuesday, serving more than 500 backstretch workers at Gulfstream Park, Gulfstream Park West and Palm Meadows. Workers also received tickets for bike raffles. The FHBPA and Gulfstream Park worked alongside Pastor Tom Lapointe of His Place Ministries and the director of chaplaincy programs at Gulfstream Park for the annual event. "It went great," said Herb Oster, Director of Special Projects for the HBPA. "Obviously, things were a little different this year. We usually...