Tioga adding new $200,000 FFA for pacers

Tioga Downs has announced the addition of the $200,000 (e) Bettor’s Delight “Bred in New York to Take on the World” open pace to its 2010 stakes schedule. The fans of Tioga Downs will be given the opportunity to see some of the best free-for-all pacers in the world come through Nichols, NY, on Sunday, June 13.

 

Bettor’s Delight, who now stands at stud at Blue Chip Farms, won 15 of his 26 career outings and missed the board only four times in his career on his way to earning more than $2.5 million with a career mark of 1:49.4.

 

"We have nothing but respect for the partnership and Jeff Gural for giving New York racing the opportunity to race on bigger tracks in New York. We are excited about being involved in creating another great racing opportunity for aged horses close to home,” said Blue Chip's Mike Kimelman.

 

Bettor’s Delight's offspring have earned more then $44 million, with the top earners being, top notch pacing mare Darlin’s Delight, the hard knocking Southwind Tempo, and one of New York’s finest, Kenneth J.

 

With the addition of the Open pace event, Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs now have opportunities for each gait and sex at the older level all for $200,000 (e). The Credit Winner, an open event for aged trotters, the Conway Hall, an open event for female trotters, and the Artiscape, an open event for female pacers.

 

With the demise of the Classic Series, Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs felt it necessary to add money to all of these events to give the older horses another opportunity during the race season to compete for good money.

 

“We are excited to add the Bettor’s Delight Open Pace to the stakes calendar for 2010, as it gives the older horses another opportunity to showcase what harness racing is all about. Racing needs these horses to stay on the track and compete against each other to provide rivalries and excitement for fans to follow during the season,” said Jeff Gural, owner and chairman of Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs.

 

Information including payment schedules, race conditions, and entry nominations can be found online at www.tiogadowns.comor www.vernondowns.com. (Tioga & Vernon)