When Jack Keller arrived at what is now Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack in 1967, he figured he'd spend a year working as a valet and then move on to another track for his next adventure in the world of racing.
One year, however, turned into 59.
"As it turned out, I never left," said Keller, who is in his 39th season as the track's Clerk of Scales.
On Friday, Keller's dedication to the track and sport will be recognized when he is inducted into the Finger Lakes Hall of Fame.
"Jack has been an institution here at Finger Lakes. His dedication and knowledge of the sport have allowed him to excel at every one of the many positions he has held here throughout the years. A great honor for a true gentleman," Chris Riegle, President and General Manager of Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack said.
"The Finger Lakes HBPA and its Board of Directors extends this long overdue honor to a man of integrity," said Austin Reed, president of the Finger Lakes Horseman's Benevolent and Protective Association. "Jack will always be a part of Finger Lakes' history and part of our Finger Lakes family."
Keller grew up in Ohio and fell in love with racing when he was going to the track with his father. He then landed a job on the backstretch in 1950, becoming a hotwalker at Ascot Park near Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.
He also rode at Ohio fairs but was too heavy to make weight at parimutuel tracks so transitioned to becoming an outrider and then assistant starter across Ohio, working at Ascot Park, Thistledown, Randall Park and Cranwood Racecourse.
His racing career includes stops at 17 different racetracks, including a winter in the 1960s as an exercise rider at Hialeah Park for the famous Darby Dan Farm.
Keller came to Finger Lakes in 1967 and worked as a valet for twenty years, when he transitioned to the race office. He has been Clerk of Scales for 39 years. The Jockey's Room was named in his honor last year.
'I've really enjoyed my time at Finger Lakes," Keller said.
His induction into the Hall of Fame will take place at Friday's annual HBPA meeting and awards banquet.
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