Significant Purse Hikes On Tap at Finger Lakes

[Wandering Eyes]

An agreement reached earlier this month between the New York Thoroughbred Breeding and Development Fund (“the Fund”) and Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack (FLGR) will see purse enrichments that will finance 40-50% increases for maiden special weight races and at the first two allowance levels this coming season at Finger Lakes Racetrack in upstate Farmington, NY.

Maiden special weight race purses will increase by nearly 49% in 2019, with total money available of $31,270, which includes up to $4,770 of open-company awards from the Fund’s incentive program. Horses bred in New York won 90$ of FLGR maiden specials last year, of which 68% were won by New York-sired progeny.

First-level allowance races are set to be worth $30,680 (including $4,680 open-company awards) while second-level allowance races will be contested for purse money of $31,860 (including up to $4,860 of open-company awards).

“By enhancing multiple conditioned races, we hope to provide a strong incentive for horses to come to Finger Lakes and stay stabled on the grounds for subsequent conditions of value,” said Jeff Cannizzo, executive director of the New York Thoroughbred Breeders. “Also, breeders, owners and stallion owners will get the additional benefit of an opportunity to earn increased incentive awards from the Fund commensurate with the increased purses. This year will see the largest purses at Finger Lakes on record for maiden specials and the first two levels of allowance races. Breeders, owners and stallion businesses will now see 40-50% increases in the awards they earn on these races. It’s a win-win for everyone. Horsemen with stock that belong at this level across the northeast region should truly give Finger Lakes a close look when this enhanced purse structure appears in the spring condition book next week.”

Finger Lakes will continue to offer state-bred restricted third-level allowance races. In 2018, New York-breds won 97% of all allowance races at the track, 54% by New York-sired progeny.

 

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