FARMINGTON, N.Y. – The 155-day live racing meet at Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack (FLGR) got underway on Saturday with File for Divorce taking the season opener.
The 4-year-old gelding was guided to the one length triumph by jockey Wilfredo Rohena. He achieved the victory in a final time of :53.29 for the four and one-half furlong distance.
The Ralph D’Alessandro-trainee scored the off-the pace win in his initial start at FLGR. He ran down Spartan Empire in the stretch to record the minor upset at odds of 6-1.
Jockey Jose Baez swept Saturday’s mid-day double. Baez won the fourth race aboard Swagner and the fifth with Ohmygollymsmolly.
The biggest upset of the day was performed by Miss Charlize in the sixth race at odds of 24-1. The Debra Breed-trainee secured the surprise win by three lengths under Nazario Alvarado.
Trainer Chris Englehart and jockey Jaime Rodriguez were both honored for their respective 2015 titles after the running of the third race.
Last year, Rodriguez became the first jockey since 2006 to surpass the single season win mark of 200. His final tally of 203 victories was the most at FLGR since John Grabowski’s record total of 233 triumphs in 2000.
Rodriguez won the second race on Saturday with Lelamaux for trainer Amber Cobb. The 25-year-old from Carolina, Puerto Rico is vying for his fourth consecutive jockey title in 2016
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The family of Chris Englehart accepted an award on behalf of the top FLGR conditioner. Englehart saddled 122 winning horses in 2015 to earn his 15th career trainer title.
Live racing will continue on Monday, April 18 with a 9-race card. FLGR will offer live action five days a week beginning May 9. Post time for most days will be at 1:10 p.m. with the exception of rare Friday cards which will start at 12:35 p.m.
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. Nearly two million visitors annually now visit the facility highlighted by over 1,500 gaming machines, the 448-seat Vineyard 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