Upon his passing in 1996 at the age of 21, Fio Rito was buried in the Finger Lakes infield. Fio Rito dominated at Finger Lakes throughout his career, winning 19 of 27 starts.

In 1981, Fio Rito, a locally-based horse who was named New York State Horse of the Year in 1980, stepped into the national spotlight by winning the Whitney Handicap at Saratoga. More than 11,000 were on hand that day, the largest crowd since Finger Lakes’ inaugural season in 1962.įio Rito, however, stands above all others in Finger Lakes racing lore. The first ever Kentucky Derby winner to race at Finger Lakes did so in style charging from behind and pulling away down the stretch to win in what later turned out to be the final race of his distinguished career. No appearance was more exciting than Funny Cide’s run in the $100,000 Wadsworth Memorial Handicap on July 4, 2007.

On September 24, 1978, Steve Cauthen, fresh off guiding Affirmed to a Triple Crown sweep in 1978, attracted a crowd of 11,030 that wagered a single-day, on-track record of $765,580. Located in the heart of the beautiful Finger Lakes region of New York, known nationally for its abundant wineries, recreational activities and spectacular vistas, Finger Lakes Casino & Racetrack has developed into a favorite stop for local residents and the thousands of tourists who visit the area annually.įinger Lakes has seen some of the greatest jockeys and Thoroughbreds in the history of the sport grace its grounds, including Hall of Fame riders Angel Cordero, Pat Day, Julie Krone and Bill Shoemaker.

Finger lakes casino racetrack