Officials at Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack (FLGR), in conjunction with the Finger Lakes Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (FLHBPA), today announced purse increases totaling $500,000 for the upcoming 2024 racing season. The 63rd consecutive season of thoroughbred racing is slated to kick off Monday, April 29, pending New York State Gaming Commission approval. Beginning with the first condition book, $5,000 claimers that are non-winners of the year or non-winners of four lifetime races will now compete for $14,000, a $1,400 or 11% increase over 2023 levels. 127 races took place last year in those conditions. Meanwhile, maiden $11,000 claimers will now race for $17,000, a $1,000 increase, while $11,000 claimers that are non-winners of the year or non-winners of 4 races will run for $18,100. On the allowance side, purses will range from $26,000 for non-winners of two to $26,800 for non-winners of four. State-bred allowance races range from $24,500 for the preliminary condition to $26,000 for the third state-bred condition. Purse levels for the Maiden Special Weight races, contested 88 times in 2023, will remain at $32,100. The bottom purse will be $13,500 for the Maiden $5,000 claimers. ‘We’re thrilled to be able to raise purses for our hard working and dedicated horsemen and women,’ said Finger Lakes Racing Secretary Jerry Richards. ‘We thank the Finger Lakes HBPA on working with us to make this possible.’ Anyone in need of a stall application should contact Richards at 585-924-3232. The deadline to return them is February 26.