On September 24, 1978, Steve Cauthen, fresh off guiding Affirmed to a Triple Crown Sweep, attracted a crowd of 11,030, wagering a single-day on track record of $765,580. Throughout decades of racing excitement, Finger Lakes has seen some of the greatest jockeys and Thoroughbreds in the history of the sport grace its grounds. It all began on May 23, 1962, as Pure Village took the inaugural race at Finger Lakes with a winning time of 1:17 3/5 for six furlongs. Over 1.5 million visitors enjoyed gaming and racing in 2006.
In February 2004, the property experienced a tremendous resurgence, following the addition of video gaming machines to the facility. Located in the heart of the beautiful Finger Lakes region in New York, Finger Lakes Casino & Racetrack has become a favorite among residents and tourists alike.