Packett's Landing

Inducted 2002

1986 b.g. by Bates Motel - Lightning Bug
11 wins in 47 starts from age 2 to 6
Career Earnings: $799,769

Finger Lakes Horse of the Year in 1989

After two uneventful starts to begin his career one year earlier, the Sam Morrell-owned Packett's Landing made his 3-year-old campaign in 1989 one of the most accomplished ever at Finger Lakes. Packett's Landing won five of 10 appearances at Finger Lakes as a 3-year-old, and missed the board on only one occasion (5-3-1). Following a win in his first start of the year, the colt displayed his potential with two additional victories, as well as second place finishes in three stakes. However, it was convincing wins of over four lengths in both the New York Derby and Rochester Cup with Kevin Whitley in the irons that cemented his place in Finger Lakes lore. The Reggie Vardon-trainee then finished the year with five starts away from home, which included titles in the Alex M. Robb Stakes and Gen. Douglas MacArthur Hdcp. at Aqueduct, and brought his total earnings as a 3-year-old to $442,892. Packett's Landing spent most of the remainder of his career on the NYRA circuit, and notched four more stakes victories, giving him eight for his career. In 32 career stakes appearances, the colt hit the board 17 times (8-8-1). Over 16 career starts at "The Thumb", he recorded five victories, six seconds and one third.