Thoroughbred horse sales are down nationwide and down by half just in Ocala.

Mark Roberts is general manager over a horse farm called Adena Springs South that spans 4000 Acres.

"We're a commercial breeder, and we also race horses, so when sales are down, and the racing purses are down,we feel that," Roberts said.

In the last five months Roberts said he's been forced to lay off almost one fifth of his employees.

Representative Kurt Kelly is sponsoring a bill he says will change how prize money will be distributed when one's horse comes in first place in a race,or purse money.

The bill would give the thoroughbred industry more say in deciding what they want to do with purse money.

The industry, not state statute, will determine the appropriate prize for first, second, and third place winners whereas previously statute only awarded the purse for first place.

Florida Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association say they would also like to see a thoroughbred race track in Ocala.