GROUNDBREAKING HELD FOR THOROUGHBRED ADOPTION FACILITY

FARMINGTON, N.Y. _ Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack announced today that work has begun toward the construction of a stand alone thoroughbred adoption facility on the racetrack grounds; to serve as a central headquarters for the Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program (FLTAP). A groundbreaking ceremony for FLTAP’s Purple Haze Center was held this morning to officially begin construction.

The new center marks the first thoroughbred adoption facility to ever be built on the grounds of a racetrack. It follows the trend set when FLTAP was first formed in late 2004 as the result of a combined funding effort between the racetrack and the Finger Lakes Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association (HBPA), which also marked an industry first.

"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, named in honor of the contributions toward construction given by Purple Haze Stable’s Wanda Polisseni, will allow FLTAP to showcase its adoptable horses to the public and serve as a central headquarters for the organization.

In addition to other gifts and funding, New York State Senator, Michael F. Nozzolio (R – Fayette), secured $60,000 in funding from New York State to assist in the building of the center, with two acres of land for the facility being donated by Delaware North Companies, the parent company of Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack.

A 10,000 square foot structure is designed to include 16 stalls as well as an indoor exercise area, horse wash bay and support and storage areas. Beyond that, it will also include 14,000 square feet of outdoor fenced paddock area. Construction is projected to take approximately 10 weeks, with an opening projected for mid-September.

"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 Dr. 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.

Since its inception, over 200 horses have been placed through FLTAP and the efforts of Dr. Ohlinger, who also serves as Examining Veterinarian at Finger Lakes. Dr Ohlinger personally oversaw the successful placement of many retired Finger Lakes runners prior to the formation of FLTAP.

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.