It appears a thoroughbred racetrack is inching closer to reality in Marion County.
According to a news release issued through the Morgan & Morgan law firm on Aug. 19, a company called Gilligan Racing LLC has identified several possible sites for a track and "is actively evaluating those locations as part of the next phase of the project."
The news release does not provide details about the sites or the locations.
A spokesperson for Orlando-based Morgan & Morgan, which says it's the largest injury law firm in the nation, said law firm founder John Morgan is part of Gilligan Racing LLC.
Last year, the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association (FTBOA)announced that it was teamingwith Morgan and former Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine to
explore establishing a horse racing facility/entertainment complex in Marion County.
The Aug. 19 release states that Gilligan Racing LLC has an exclusive agreement with Ocala Thoroughbred Racing (OTR), which is a division of the FTBOA, which has a state thoroughbred racing permit.
More work to be done
Gilligan Racing LLC said it's working on different aspects of the project, such as site selection, development planning and meeting with key officials and entities.
"Many more details — including additional information regarding the site, development plans and project participants — will be shared in the near future," the release says, adding that Gilligan is working with industry experts Ron Winchell and Marc Falcone.
In recent years, horse racing has been threatened in Florida with the controversial decoupling bill,which so far hasn't passed in the state legislature. Decoupling would give the Florida's two racetracks, Tampa Bay Downs and Gulfstream, the ability to operate gambling devices without offering live horse racing.
The Gilligan group says it is prepared to talk with stakeholders, state leadership and others as the process progresses.
"The project is not intended to arrive in Marion County as a finished plan presented to the community," the release says. "Gilligan Racing intends to listen, collaborate and seek input from local and state leaders as it determines how the project can best serve Marion County, Florida’s thoroughbred industry and the state of Florida."
Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Sites identified for possible thoroughbred racetrack in Marion County
