FARMINGTON, N.Y. – Breakin the Fever was named 2015 Finger Lakes (FLGR) “Horse of the Year” at the annual FLGR Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association awards dinner on Saturday. The 3-year-old New York-bred owned and trained by Debra Breed won six of his eight FLGR starts this year.
Breakin the Fever achieved all of his 2015 victories under the guidance of jockey Oscar Gomez. He amassed a sum of $112,831 in purse earnings at FLGR this season.
The fast gelding won two stakes at FLGR in 2015. He displayed he was the top FLGR 3-year-old New York-bred with a seven and one-quarter length win in the $50,000 Ontario County Stakes on August 21. The $174,681 earner then defeated older rivals in the $50,000 Leon Reed Stakes on October 2. Both triumphs were achieved in gate-to-wire fashion.
The barn of Debra Breed received a total of three awards at the event. Breakin the Fever also took the honor for “Best 3-year-old colt/gelding” and Shangala was voted “Best 3-year-old filly”.
Also on Saturday, two new members were officially inducted into the FLGR Hall of Fame. Michael S. Ferraro and Dr. Robert Carr were recognized for their talent and past achievements.
Michael S. Ferraro was the top FLGR trainer a record 18 times. He won a total of 47 stakes including the Grade 1 Whitney Handicap with Fio Rito in 1981.
The elite horseman from Buffalo, New York notched his 3,000th career victory at Finger Lakes on November 12, 2014 with Sweet Sweet Afleet. Ferraro was the second local trainer to reach the prestigious milestone.
Dr. Carr spent approximately 40 years as an equine practitioner at FLGR. He began his career immediately after completing his education in Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University in 1963.
Ten horses received awards in different categories at the annual dinner. Below is a complete listing of the 2015 winners:
2015 Finger Lakes H.B.P.A. Awards
Best $4,000-$5,000 Claimer (Colt, Horse or Gelding) – Alcanudance and Park City (tie)
Best $4,000-$5,000 Claimer (Filly or Mare) – Manhattan Gin
Best $6,000 and up Claimer (Colt, Horse or Gelding) – Patriot Star
Best $6,000 and up Claimer (Filly or Mare) – Dance I Can
Best Condition Allowance (Colt, Horse or Gelding) – Lady’s Smart Alec
Best Older Colt, Horse or Gelding – Frisky Warrior
Best Older Filly or Mare – Absolute Paradise
Best 3-Year-Old Colt or Gelding – Breakin the Fever
Best 3-Year-Old Filly – Shangala
Horse of the Year – Breakin the Fever
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, Express, 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.