The Finger Lakes Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association, in conjunction with racetrack management, will send horsemen its own version of stimulus checks, with trainers receiving $25 for every start at the 2019 Finger Lakes meet and owners receiving $100 for every start. A trainer who also owns the horse will get $125 per start. The total cost is estimated to be $827,000, which will be funded through canceled race days and a reduced stakes program.
“Our board of directors felt it imperative to get some quick money to our horsemen to help with expenses, including feeding their horses, as everyone waits for racing to resume in New York,” said Finger Lakes HBPA president Chris Vaccaro. “It's designed to be a shot in the arm for our trainers and owners with horses at area farms, training centers or wintering out of state. The coronavirus has been a devastating health and economic crisis for millions of Americans. Our horsemen continue to feed and take care of their horses with no way to earn income to defray the cost, adding to their financial hardship.”
Finger Lakes was scheduled to open for training Mar. 15 and its 127-date race meet was slated to start Apr. 25. Both dates have been pushed back indefinitely because of the coronavirus pandemic. The Finger Lakes HBPA and Finger Lakes Gaming & Racing are working with the New York State Gaming Commission and state and local health officials on how and when the track can safely open for training and subsequently racing.
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