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First Thoroughbred Adoption Facility On Racetrack Breaks Ground

Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack to house structure on two acres


FARMINGTON, N.Y. (June 29, 2007) _ Delaware North Companies’ Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack announces the June 29 groundbreaking of Purple Haze Center, a 10,000-square-foot standalone thoroughbred adoption facility on the racetrack’s grounds. The new facility, the first of its kind on a racetrack, will serve as central headquarters for the Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program (FLTAP).

The Purple Haze Center, named in honor of the more than $150,000 contribution toward construction given by Purple Haze Stable’s Wanda Polisseni, will allow FLTAP to showcase its adoptable horses to the public and serve as central headquarters for the organization. The structure will sit on two acres of land that was donated by Delaware North Companies and include 16 stalls, as well as an indoor exercise area, horse washing bay and support and storage areas. Beyond that, it will also include 14,000 square feet of outdoor fenced paddock area. Construction is projected to take approximately 10 weeks, with an opening projected for mid-September.

"The building of Purple Haze Center marks a tremendous accomplishment in the young history of the Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program," said Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack President, Chris Riegle. "It will continue to fuel the momentum FLTAP has gained in just under three short years and solidify Finger Lakes’ position as the pioneer in the industry in facilitating thoroughbred retirement."

Being the first thoroughbred adoption facility to be built on the grounds of a racetrack, Purple Haze Center follows the trend set when FLTAP was first formed in late 2004 as the result of a combined funding effort between the racetrack and the Finger Lakes Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association (HBPA), which also marked an industry first. FLTAP assists in the placement of former Finger Lakes racehorses with equine adoption agencies or approved private individuals, giving these horses a second chance at productive lives. It was designed to provide horsemen with an onsite outlet for professional assistance in transitioning horses, and eliminate potential instances where horses could be sent down an uncertain path after their careers on the racetrack.

"It is our hope that this center will have a trendsetting effect on all racetracks and that many will take our lead, and join us in doing all we can to provide our retired equine athletes with comfortable homes in their life after the racetrack," said FLTAP Dr. Margaret Ohlinger, DVM, executive director.

Retired thoroughbreds are capable of going on to become productive trail riders, show

horses or even parts of mounted police units. FLTAP looks to facilitate a quick and smooth transition for horses in need of a second career and provides for transportation, board, feed, medication and treatment of horses in its care.

Since its inception, more than 200 horses have been placed through the help of FLTAP and the efforts of Ohlinger, who serves as examining veterinarian at Finger Lakes. Dr. Ohlinger personally oversaw the successful placement of many retired Finger Lakes runners prior to the formation of FLTAP.

In addition to Delaware North Companies and Polisseni, New York State Sen. Michael F. Nozzolio (R-Fayette) secured $60,000 in funding from New York State to assist in the building of the center.

About Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack
In addition to live and simulcast thoroughbred racing, Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack features nearly 1,200 video gaming machines and several dining options, including a 280-seat buffet restaurant. The 28,000-square-foot gaming floor, added in 2004, has helped attract over 1.5 million visitors annually since its debut. For more information, please visit http://www.fingerlakesracetrack.com/.

About Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program
FLTAP, a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization was formed in 2004 as the result of a joint effort between Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack and the Finger Lakes Horsemen’s Benevolent Protective Association (HBPA). Base funding is supplied by both organizations, also an industry first. Its mission is to assist in the placement of former Finger Lakes racehorses with equine adoption agencies or approved private individuals, giving these horses a second chance at productive lives. Over 200 horses have been placed by the organization to date since its inception. For more information on FLTAP, visit www.fingerlakestap.org.