Timeline 1980 to 1989
1980
- Codex of Ocala wins Preakness Stakes.
- Joe O'Farrell, owner of Ocala Stud, and breeder/trainer of My Dear Girl, Roman Brother, Office Queen and breeder of famous sire Rough 'n Tumble dies.
1982
- Florida-bred Aloma's Ruler wins the Preakness Stakes.
- Florida-bred Conquistador Cielo wins the Belmont Stakes.
1984
- Ocala Breeders' Sales Company buys Florida Breeders' Sales Company.
- Eventually becomes the biggest seller in the U.S.
- Florida-bred Gate Dancer wins the Preakness Stakes
1986
- Repeal of federal laws that provided tax shelters to racehorse investors who were writing off their horse losses against their non-horse businesses. Thousands of wealthy professionals bailed out on racehorses as investments.
1987
- Real estate values of Marion County farm property plummet.
- Registered thoroughbred foals drops from 5,000 to less than 2,500.
- Ocala's thoroughbred industry slumps.
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