Impressive performances at the mutuel windows and on the track highlighted the 61st season of Thoroughbred horse racing at Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack in Farmington, N.Y.
Despite one less day of racing, 89 in total, and 25 fewer races, all-sources total handle was $101,480,490, a spike of 16.5 percent. The average daily handle was $1,140,230 for the meet that concluded on Nov. 23.
On-track wagering also saw a double-digit increase of 12.8%, with wagering of $1,969,344. There were a total of 730 races run during the meet.
On the track, perennial leading trainer Chris Englehart took home yet another training title, his fifth in a row and 18th in the past 20 years. The only interruption in his streak came in 2016 and '17 when his son, Jeremiah, saddled more winners. Chris saddled 62 winners from 205 starters in 2022 (30%) and his purse earnings exceeded $1 million. He is currently 11th all-time nationally in victories with 4,652.
The last time someone not named Englehart won the Finger Lakes training crown was 2002, when Michael S. Ferraro bested the Chris Englehart stable.
Jon Buckley finished second in the standings, winning 47 times compared to 28 victories in 2021, and Michael S. Ferraro was third with 44.
Jockey Andre Worrie captured his first Finger Lakes riding title, winning 98 times from 438 mounts (22%). He had purse earnings of $1,704,485.
Luis Perez, the 2021 leading rider, finished second with 77 wins while John Davila Jr. was third at 71. The star of the Buckley stable, New York-bred Warriors Revenge, completed a perfect season by going 7-for-7. He earned $88,080 for owner Windylea Farm LLC. The 5-year-old Warrior Reward gelding was ridden by jockey Kevin Navarro.
Four horses each won five races: Hit by a Wave, Acalteque, Sweet Shallots and Zircon.
“Many thanks to all involved, including members of the Finger Lakes HPBA, who we work very closely with all season long,” said Chris Riegle, President and General Manager of Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack. “We brought in a new Director of Racing, Todd Haight, and Racing Secretary, Jerry Richards, and changes they implemented were instrumental in our successful 2022 season. We look forward to seeing all our horsemen and racing fans back in 2023.”
About Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack: In operation since 1962, the facility added gaming to its offering in 2004 and expanded again in 2013 by adding 33,000 square feet with a $12 million expansion. FLGR is highlighted by over 1,100 gaming machines, the 448-seat Buffet, Remedy Bar & Lounge, as well as live and simulcast thoroughbred racing. Gaming doors open at 8 a.m. and racing doors open at 11:30 a.m. daily. For more information, visit www.fingerlakesgaming.com.
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