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FARMINGTON, N.Y. – Trainer Michael S. Ferraro notched his 3000th career win at Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack (FLGR) on Wednesday, November 12. He reached the milestone when Sweet Sweet Afleet scored a two and three-quarter length victory in the eighth race under jockey David Lopez.
Ferraro began his career in 1971 at Fort Erie. He dominated the local trainer standings after winning his first F.L.G.R.title in 1975. The elite horseman from Buffalo, New York has been the top conditioner at F.LG.R a record 18 times.
Fio Rito, a 28 time winner and F.L.G.R. Hall of Famer, was the most notable horse from the barn of Ferraro. He set multiple track records and was the first New York-bred to win a Grade 1 Stakes.
“You have to respect (Ferraro), he’s been a constant for 30 years,” said trainer James Acquilano. “He’s still at the barn every day and does everything right.”
Acquilano was the groom of Fio Rito while working for Ferraro in the 1970’s.
“He is the best horseman on the grounds,” said trainer Sal Iorio, Jr. “I always knew turning for home I would have plenty of horse.”
Ferraro registered 2,869 of his 3,000 wins at F.L.G.R. Sal Iorio, Jr was formerly a jockey that won 137 races for Ferraro.
Ferraro is the second F.L.G.R. trainer to reach the prestigious mark of 3,000 wins. His horses have won 47 stakes and amassed a sum of over $23 million in purse earnings. Chris Englehart, who currently has 3,612 career wins, was the first to accomplish this achievement.
Go Michael……………….will forward to Paul.