The 34-year-old journeyman was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He began riding at Camarero Racetrack in 2000 and recorded his first win aboard "Sangre Azul".

Cruz was the leading apprentice at the Puerto Rico track his first season. He registered a total of 116 victories his rookie year.

“I am thankful to everyone,” said Cruz. “The trainers, owners and my agent helped me reach 1,000 wins.”

Cruz earned two of his nine career stakes triumphs at FLGR. He won the $124,888 Lady Finger Stakes in 2012 with Matchmadeinheaven and the $50,000 Susan B. Anthony Stakes in 2013 aboard Capella Dancer.

Joel Cruz registered 134 wins during his four years at F.L.G.R. He returned to action in April after missing seven months due to a leg injury he sustained on September 19, 2014.

Distorted Dream was directed by Cruz to all five of his 2015 victories. The Mark Tasso-trainee completed the six furlong sprint in a time of 1:11.51 and paid $3.50, $2.30 and $2.10. Statutorial was second and returned $2.90 and $2.60. That’s Allie’s Baby was third and paid $3.30.

About Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack
In operation since 1962, the facility added gaming to its offering in 2004 and expanded again in 2013 by adding 33,000 square feet with a $12 million expansion. Nearly two million visitors annually now visit the facility highlighted by over 1,500 gaming machines, the 448-seat Vineyard Buffet, Remedy Bar & Lounge, as well as live and simulcast thoroughbred racing. Gaming doors open at 8 a.m. and racing doors open at 11:30 a.m. daily. For more information, visit www.FingerLakesGaming.com.

About Delaware North
Delaware North is one of the largest privately held hospitality and food service companies in the world. Founded in 1915 and owned by the Jacobs family for 100 years, Delaware North has global operations at high-profile places such as sports and entertainment venues, national and state parks, destination resorts and restaurants, airports, and regional casinos. Our 60,000 employee associates are dedicated to creating special experiences one guest at a time in serving more than a half-billion guests annually. Delaware North operates in the sports, travel hospitality, restaurant and catering, parks, resorts, gaming, and specialty retail industries and has annual revenue of approximately $3 billion. “Delaware North” is a reference to Delaware North Companies Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries, including location-specific operating entities. Learn more about Delaware North, a global leader in hospitality and food service, at www.DelawareNorth.com.

Contact:
David Mattice
Assistant to Director of Publicity
Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack
Phone: 585-742-9234
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