THOROUGHBRED ADOPTION PROGRAM FACILITY READY FOR GRAND OPENING

FARMINGTON, N.Y. - The Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program (FLTAP) will officially unveil its new thoroughbred adoption facility at the Purple Haze Center on the grounds of Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack during a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony this Friday morning, April 18 at 11am., just one day prior to the start of the 47th racing season at Finger Lakes. 

The Purple Haze Center, named in honor of the contributions toward construction given by Purple Haze Stable’s Wanda Polisseni, allows FLTAP to showcase its adoptable horses to the public and serve as a central headquarters for the organization. It marks the first thoroughbred adoption facility to ever be built on the grounds of a racetrack. 

In addition to other private donations, New York State Senator, Michael F. Nozzolio (R – Fayette), secured $120,000 in funding from New York State to assist in the building of the center. Two acres of land for the facility was donated by Delaware North Companies, the parent company of Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack. ‘The building of Purple Haze Center marks a tremendous accomplishment in the young history of the Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program,’ said Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack President, Chris Riegle. ‘It will continue to fuel the momentum FLTAP has gained in just under three short years and solidify Finger Lakes’ position as the pioneer in the industry in facilitating thoroughbred retirement.’

The Purple Haze Center is a 10,000 square foot structure designed with 16 stalls as well as an indoor exercise area, horse wash bay and support and storage areas. It also includes 14,000 square feet of outdoor fenced paddock area. ‘It is our hope that this center will have a trendsetting effect on all racetracks and that many take our lead and join us in doing all we can to provide our retired equine athletes with comfortable homes in their life after the racetrack,’ said FLTAP Executive Director Margaret Ohlinger, DVM.

FLTAP assists in the placement of former Finger Lakes race horses with equine adoption agencies or approved private individuals, giving these horses a second chance at productive lives. It was designed to provide horsemen with an onsite outlet for professional assistance in transitioning horses, and eliminate potential instances where horses could be sent down an uncertain path after their careers on the racetrack.  Retired thoroughbreds are capable of going on to become productive trail riders, show horses, or even parts of mounted police units. FLTAP looks to facilitate a quick and smooth transition for horses in need of a second career and provides for transportation, board, feed, medication and treatment of horses in its care.

About Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack:  In addition to live and simulcast thoroughbred racing, Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack features nearly 1,200 video gaming machines and several dining options, including a 280-seat buffet restaurant. The 28,000 square foot gaming floor, added in 2004, has helped attract over 1.5 million visitors annually since its debut.

About Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program:  FLTAP, a non-profit 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) charitable organization was formed in 2004 as the result of a joint effort between Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack and the Finger Lakes Horsemen’s Benevolent Protective Association (HBPA). Base funding is supplied by both organizations, also an industry first. Its mission is to assist in the placement of former Finger Lakes race horses with equine adoption agencies or approved private individuals, giving these horses a second chance at productive lives. For more information on FLTAP, visit http://www.fingerlakestap.org/