Finger Lakes trainer James Acquilano notches 1,500th career victory
[1]Tom Cooley Photography
Trainer James Acquilano notched his 1,500th career win at Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack on Tuesday. He reached the milestone when Erica’s Star scored a one and three-quarter length victory in the fourth race under jockey Michael Davila, Jr. Acquilano registered a double on the Tuesday card. He notched win number 1,501 in the seventh race with Hi Ho Silverman.
The 59 year-old conditioner from Geneva, New York began his training career at Finger Lakes in 1981. Prince Jason was the first winning horse that he saddled. “It’s been a lot of luck and a lot of hard work,” said Acquilano on Tuesday. “I’ll be here at 3:00 am tomorrow morning.”
[2]Fio Rito Packing for the Whitney; James Acquilano, groom (Tom Cooley Photography)
Acquilano was also the groom for one of the best horses from Finger Lakes. Fio Rito was under his care while in the barn of Michael S. Ferraro. Fio Rito, who won the 1981 Whitney Handicap, set multiple track records and was the first New York-bred to win a Grade 1 Stakes.
Acquilano registered 1,479 of his 1,501 wins at Finger Lakes. His only stakes victory was with Our Girl Nessa in the $50,000 Susan B. Anthony Handicap on August 10, 1996. He finished the 2012 season with 89 wins which ranked him third in the local standings. He is currently seventh with 46 triumphs this season.
- [Image]: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/10-15-13-R4-Ericas-Star-22-Winners-Circle.jpg
- [Image]: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/FioRito-PackingfortheWhitney-James-Acquilano-groom.jpg
Source URL: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/2013/10/17/james-acquilano-1500th-career-victory/