The Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program (FLTAP) will officially unveil its new thoroughbred adoption facility at the Purple Haze Center on the grounds of Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack during a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony this Friday morning, April 18 at 11am.

The Purple Haze Center, named in honor of the contributions toward construction given by Purple Haze Stable’s Wanda Polisseni, allows FLTAP to showcase its adoptable horses to the public and serve as a central headquarters for the organization. It marks the first thoroughbred adoption facility to ever be built on the grounds of a racetrack.

In addition to other private donations, New York State Senator, Michael F. Nozzolio (R – Fayette), secured $120,000 in funding from New York State to assist in the building of the center. Two acres of land for the facility was donated by Delaware North Companies, the parent company of Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack.

‘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.’

The Purple Haze Center is a 10,000 square foot structure designed with 16 stalls as well as an indoor exercise area, horse wash bay and support and storage areas. It also includes 14,000 square feet of outdoor fenced paddock area.

‘It is our hope that this center will have a trendsetting effect on all racetracks and that many 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 Executive Director Margaret Ohlinger, DVM. FLTAP assists in the placement of former Finger Lakes race horses 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. 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, over 300 horses have been placed through FLTAP and the efforts of Dr. Ohlinger, who also 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.