In April 2011, Finger Lakes Casino and Racetrack in Farmington, NY, was fully accredited by the NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance following a complete review of all racing operations at the facility.  The track received ‘Best Practice’ ratings in several areas including aftercare and transition of retired racehorses.  Mike Ziegler, NTRA Alliance Director, called the Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program (FLTAP) “the top such program we have ever reviewed.” 

"All of us here at Finger Lakes are extremely proud that we have received this designation from the NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance," said Chris Riegle, Finger Lakes Casino and Racetrack President and General Manager.  "I salute the many staff here who worked so hard to achieve this accreditation, and I’m particularly gratified that the Alliance was so impressed with the Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program. We are eager to discuss the Program further with other interested racing facilities in order to secure the long term welfare of all Thoroughbreds as they transition off the track." 

Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program is a 501 (c)(3)non-profit that is the first facility run as a collaborative effort between Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack management and the Finger Lakes Horsemen’s Benevolent Protective Association (HBPA).

The state-of-the-art Purple Haze Center facility, named for major donor Wanda Polisseni’s Purple Haze Stables, sits on land donated by Delaware Companies North, parent company of Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack.  Opened in November 2007, the 10,000 square foot state-of-the-art horse barn can house up to 16 thoroughbreds. To facilitate retraining, there is a 70 x 72 foot riding arena as well as four 60 x 60 foot paddocks for turnout. The recent addition of two 60 foot round pens allows the horses time on grass. Horses remain on-site an average of 30 days before being adopted. Over 400 thoroughbreds have found new homes through the FLTAP program.

State funding, grants and private contributions assisted with construction of the barn.  Each year Finger Lakes Racing Association donates $2 per start, which is matched by horsemen.

To find out more about this “Best Practices” aftercare program, contact Brian Moore at 585-742-7315