Finger Lakes surface issues?

[FantasticDan]

I just noticed this blurb from the Rochester D&C sportswriter (Bob Matthews) that frequently comments on Finger Lakes topics:

Column dated 6/20/10:

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20100620/SPORTS0101/6200353

Comment:

There were an unusual number of breakdowns in races at Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack late last week — including two horses that had to be humanely destroyed. Many horsemen are dissatisfied with the racing surface and consider it unsafe. They're hopeful that management will improve the situation as quickly as possible.

Any FL homies or players heard anything about this? I do recall last year FL cancelled racing for an (unscheduled) day or two to re-surface...

Matthews also had this comment regarding the recent track cutbacks:

Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack president/general manager Chris Riegle is concerned that the 12 percent cut in purse money across the board (plus erasing four $50,000 stakes races), which was forced by the failure of New York OTB to pay in excess of $3.5 million owed FLGR, might hurt the horse population at his track: "Some horsemen have talked about shipping out to other tracks," he said. A significant drop in the horses on the backstretch could force management to reduce the racing schedule or end the season before the scheduled Dec. 6.

[comet52]

I'm curious what average attendance is at Finger Lakes. They don't publish it in DRF, anybody know?

[kenwoodall2]

I see no track problems so far, but I'm not at the track.

[appistappis]

we were there last year in late november and I had never seen less people at a track......maybe 50 of us in the stands.

[FantasticDan]

That's not really surprising considering WNY's late November weather, and the fact that the track closes up within the first week of December typically. It's been a long season at that point.

This time of year, Saturdays are quite busy, and there's no lack of buzz and people up in the grandstand areas. You see a lot of families as well as casual bettors. Weekdays are of course not as active from an attendance standpoint.

[philcski]

I just noticed this blurb from the Rochester D&C sportswriter (Bob Matthews) that frequently comments on Finger Lakes topics:

Column dated 6/20/10:

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20100620/SPORTS0101/6200353

Comment:

There were an unusual number of breakdowns in races at Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack late last week — including two horses that had to be humanely destroyed. Many horsemen are dissatisfied with the racing surface and consider it unsafe. They're hopeful that management will improve the situation as quickly as possible.

Any FL homies or players heard anything about this? I do recall last year FL cancelled racing for an (unscheduled) day or two to re-surface...

Matthews also had this comment regarding the recent track cutbacks:

Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack president/general manager Chris Riegle is concerned that the 12 percent cut in purse money across the board (plus erasing four $50,000 stakes races), which was forced by the failure of New York OTB to pay in excess of $3.5 million owed FLGR, might hurt the horse population at his track: "Some horsemen have talked about shipping out to other tracks," he said. A significant drop in the horses on the backstretch could force management to reduce the racing schedule or end the season before the scheduled Dec. 6.

He does a good job reporting on racing for a guy that is general sports doesn't he?

As for the surface- I had not heard about any issues. I have a horse that runs there every two weeks without a problem. He's in the 4th tomorrow in fact...

[Tom]

They had some issues last year with the track, but I Don't know how it came out. I can't remember the last time they totally replaced the track, but I am guessing it has been 15-20 years?