Tioga gears up for opener

Friday, June 9 will mark the return of racing to Tioga Downs in Nichols, New York.

Racing has not graced the 5/8 mile track for 30 years. Tioga Downs will be racing a Friday, Saturday, and Sunday schedule through the end of June. Tioga will switch to its normal Friday, Sunday, and Monday schedule with the scheduled opening of Vernon Downs on July 1.

Post time for Sunday cards will be 12:45 p.m. (EDT), all other days will be raced at 6:50 p.m. (EDT). Monday July 3, 2006 post time will be 12:45 p.m.(EDT). There are 43 live dates scheduled in 2006 for Tioga Downs. All dates are subject to construction delays and/or approval from the New York State Racing and Wagering Board.

Tioga Downs would also like to unveil its new Late Closing Events. Greg DeFrank, Vice President and Director of Racing for Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs, has put together a Late Closing program which offers a little something for everyone.

"We have scheduled a nice trot for mares on the opening weekend, Friday, June 9. We have a variety of claiming races; pace and trot. We have events scheduled for 3 year olds as well as events for 4 and 5 year olds,” said DeFrank.

"The races will be segregated into 3 year olds, 4 and 5 year olds and colts will be separated from fillies. Each series has three legs and a final so if you nominate, you know you can race in that event for the month. It will also give trainers more room to maneuver.”

Jason Settlemoir, Vice-President of Racing Operations and Simulcast for Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs, said, "Our goal at Tioga Downs is to offer fans and horsemen a high-quality racing program and these Late Closing events coupled with the good response to our Early Closing events are two important steps toward achieving that goal."

Construction update

- The track grading was finished on Friday paving the way for fencing to begin around the outskirts of the track. The lighting will begin going up this week.

- The final stages of the Paddock began today with the insertion of the dividing walls and the outside retaining walls. Our paddock is very unique, it is an open air paddock where fans of the sport will be able to look directly into the paddock from the grandstand. The guests may walk down and view race activities from just 12 feet away! It will give fans a behind-the-scenes look to what goes on during the races.

(Tioga Downs release)

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