Press Release
Retired jockey Kevin Whitley will be honored at Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack (F.L.G.R.) on Monday, June 23. The 9-time leading rider will be inducted into the F.L.G.R. Hall of Fame by the local Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association.
After beginning his career at Belmont Park in 1975, Kevin Whitley joined the F.L.G.R. jockey colony in 1979. He quickly ascended in the local rider standings and shared the jockey title with Leslie Hulet in 1981.
Between 1982 and 1983 he visited the F.L.G.R winners circle 453 times, the most ever in two consecutive seasons. His 227 wins in 1982 established a single season record which held until 2000. His 226 wins in 1983 ranked him eighth in the nation.
Whitley’s success continued throughout the 1980’s. He was the leading F.L.G.R. jockey for five consecutive years from 1986 to 1990.
On a memorable day on August 27, 1989, Whitley guided six different horses to victory, and capped off the day with a triumph aboard Packett’s Landing in the $200,000 New York Derby.
Whitley won a total of five stakes with his favorite horse Frattare including the Grade 3 Finger Lakes Breeders’ Cup on July 3, 1989.
Whitley completed his career with over 3,200 victories. 2,617 wins were achieved at F.L.G.R.
