[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 84 (Tuesday, May 22, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1115]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               PREAKNESS DELIVERS THREE FLORIDA CHAMPIONS

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                           HON. CLIFF STEARNS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 22, 2007

  Mr. STEARNS. Madam Speaker, I am thrilled to announce that the winner 
of the recent Preakness Stakes, along with those horses that placed and 
showed (came in second and third, respectively), all have strong ties 
to stables in my district.
  Street Sense and Hard Spun, who placed second and third respectively, 
were both broken and received elementary training at Ocala training 
centers. As if this were not enough cause for celebration, Curlin, the 
victor of the Preakness Stakes, is partially owned by Padua Stable, 
also in Ocala. Satish Sanan, a computer CEO, founded Padua Stable in 
1997, choosing the Ocala location for its pristine pastures and 
renowned reputation among horse enthusiasts.
  Curlin's story is especially unique. Though entering the competition 
for the Kentucky Derby after only three career starts, Curlin was an 
unlikely early favorite due to his victory in the Arkansas Derby in 
which he crushed eight foes and won by 10\1/2\ lengths.
  Shirley Cunningham, Jr., a lawyer hailing from Georgetown, is one of 
Curlin's former owners, and it is from his family history that the 
horse's name is derived. Cunningham's great-grandfather, Charlie 
Curlin, is a legend in the area in and around Trigg County, Kentucky 
due to his service on behalf of the U.S. Colored Troops battalion of 
the Union Army in 1864. Curlin, a freed slave, represented the hallmark 
American ideal of service to one's country, fighting nobly to make 
freedom a reality for all United States citizens. Thus, in winning the 
Preakness Stakes, and putting forth a gallant effort in the Kentucky 
Derby, Curlin the horse is carrying the family history, serving as a 
reminder to all of the benefits of perseverance and faith in one's 
cause.
  Though Curlin, Street Sense, and Hard Spun are more prominent 
examples of success derived from Ocala stables, the city's strong 
reputation in equine breeding and training is by no means new or rare. 
Ocala, within Marion County, is considered the ``Horse Capital of the 
World'' by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association. 
In 1995, Ocala was named an All-America-City winner, due largely in 
part to its reputation for expansive and well-kept pastureland. More 
than 450 farms and training centers in the Marion County area are 
devoted to breeding, training, and showing breeds such as the 
thoroughbred, Arabian, quarter horses, and even draft horses. The 
USDA's Census of Agriculture reported that Marion led all U.S. counties 
in total number of horses and ponies in residence in 1997, cut-off year 
for the 5-year census. Furthermore, the county ranked third nationally 
(behind two counties in Kentucky) in total value of horses sold. Horses 
are big business in Marion County. Between 45 and 50 different breeds 
are represented in the area. Nearly 29,000 residents are employed in 
the county's thoroughbred industry alone. Florida thoroughbreds finish 
first in 20 percent of the foremost stakes races in the U.S. and are 
counted among Triple Crown, Breeders' Cup, Belmont Stakes, Preakness 
and Kentucky Derby winners. The thoroughbred industry's economic impact 
on the state is considered to be in excess of $1 billion dollars 
annually, and the exciting horse sales at the Ocala Breeder's Sales 
Complex run into the millions.
  One cannot visit Marion County without becoming immediately aware of 
the impact the horse industry has on the area. This is currently 
evidenced by the enthusiasm exhibited by many of my constituents in 
having not one, but three horses sweep the top spots in the Preakness 
Stakes. I believe that this much-celebrated victory will serve to 
further illustrate the excellence of stables and breeders in Marion 
County and Ocala, and encourage others in the industry to consider the 
area as a future home for both their horses and their families.
  Finally, I am honored to be the new cochair of the Congressional 
Horse Caucus, and I look forward to cochairing with Representative Ben 
Chandler of Kentucky. Many may not realize the magnitude of the equine 
industry and its importance to our national, state and local economies. 
It is a diverse industry, involving business, agriculture, sport, 
entertainment, gaming and recreation, and we hope Members will join the 
Caucus.
  By the way: I have stood on this House Floor three times in the past 
year to herald national victories from the University of Florida in my 
district--twice for Men's Basketball championships, and January for the 
2006 Bowl Championship in football. I suspect my colleagues will begin 
to find me immodest if I keep bragging and offering resolutions on my 
winning constituent athletes, both human and equine.

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