Second Morrisville State College horse races to victory at Finger Lakes Racetrack

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MORRISVILLE, NY—Morrisville State College equine students had a lot to cheer about last week when a second horse claimed victory at the Finger Lakes Racetrack. 

The most recent win, on June 12, went to Hot Idea, a Brown Mare trained by Dr. Clyde Cranwell, associate professor and director of the college’s Thoroughbred program. 

It’s the college’s second win of the season. The first win on June 9, went to Don’t Back Down, a Bay Gelding trained by Cranwell. 

The college has 11 horses in training for the 2015 season; four stalled at Finger Lakes Racetrack and seven more which are being trained at the college to compete. 

“Our students and staff work very hard with these horses,” Cranwell said. “It is very gratifying to see them cross the finish line.”

A unique feature of the college’s Thoroughbred program is a summer option where students can gain actual experience racing horses at the Finger Lakes Racetrack with Cranwell. The college has been racing at Finger Lakes Racetrack since 2007. 

“Everyone at the Finger Lakes Racetrack has been incredibly supportive of our program,” Cranwell said. “They have embraced the idea of helping us develop a workforce for the racing industry in New York. Having access to the backside of a race track is a critically important component of the Thoroughbred Racing Program (at MSC). We are extremely appreciative of the help and support provided by Finger Lakes Racetrack.” 

Morrisville State’s curricula are enriched with applied learning and pave the way for opportunity at both the Morrisville and Norwich campuses. An action-oriented, interactive learning lab, the college is a national leader in technology and has been lauded for its exemplary, innovative and effective community service programs. 

In addition to being named to the 2014 President’s Higher Community Education Service Honor Roll, the college was recognized by U.S. News and World Report as an institution in the top tier of the Best Regional Colleges list and ranked second among regional colleges nationwide for outperforming its anticipated graduation rate.