Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack, a gaming venue owned and operated by Delaware North in Farmington, N.Y., outside Rochester, this summer recognized a longtime associate by dedicating the jockey room in his honor.
The John “Jack” Keller Jockey Room is a unique and lasting tribute to Keller’s 55 years of service at Finger Lakes. Over the years, his positions included valet, racing official, colors man, jockey room custodian, steward, placing judge and assistant racing secretary.
“Jack is synonymous with racing at Finger Lakes, and one of the most down-to-earth and friendly people you will ever meet,” said Chris Riegle, president and general manager at Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack. “His current longtime role of managing the jockey room as clerk of scales made the naming of the jockey room a natural and fitting tribute.”
Keller, surrounded by family, friends and coworkers, was presented a plaque by Riegle and Assistant Manager Vieden Zahariev. The plaque is hung at the entrance to the jockey room as a reminder to all of his service to Finger Lakes and the thoroughbred industry as a whole.
In part, the plaque reads, “A man of integrity and who has a friendly greeting for all, Jack is a fixture of racing at Finger Lakes.”