Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Cane Pace draws nine at Tioga Downs


Wednesday morning, the Tioga Downs Race Office accepted entries for the 57th Annual Cane pace and nine 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers were entered.

As a result, no eliminations will be necessary and all nine will move straight to the $342,875 final on Saturday, September 10th at Tioga Downs.

Meadowlands Pace winner, Roll With Joe, leads the nine sophomore pacers and drew post position number eight for trainer Ed Hart and Ron Pierce.

In his last out, the 3-year-old son of Cam’s Card Shark – Classic Wish won the $500,000 Battle of Brandywine at Chester Downs over Alsace Hanover in 1:49.2.

Ed Hart trains the winner of more than $1.2 million already in 2011 and will look for his fifth win in nine seasonal outings.

Also joining him for the final will be the fastest 3-year-old pacer in 2011, Shadyshark Hanover, who captured the Oliver Wendell Holmes in 1:47.4 on Hambletonian Day at The Meadowlands.

Since reuniting with last year's pilot, Jim Morrill Jr., Shadyshark Hanover has been no worse that fourth in three starts after a bit of a rocky start to the year.

All horses for the 57th Annual Cane Pace must be in detention by 8:00 pm on Friday, September 9th, and scratch time for the Cane will be by Thursday, September 8th at 10:00 am.

Below is the field in post position order:
57th Annual Cane Pace
Saturday, September 10th
PP HORSE DRIVER TRAINER
1 Powerful Mist Andy Miller Wayne Givens
2 Townslight Hanover Stephane Bouchard Aaron Lambert
3 Avenue Hanover Daniel Dube Mark Silva
4 Eighteen TBA Ian Moore
5 Shadyshark Hanover Jim Morrill Jr. Erv Miller
6 Rollwithitharry Jim Morrill Jr. Jimmy Takter
7 Betterthancheddar George Brennan Casie Coleman
8 Roll With Joe Ron Pierce Ed Hart
9 High Noon Mark Macdonald Jimmy Takter

For more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com.

Jamieson never relinquishes lead on way to his first Tioga Downs Drivers' Championship


Canada's superstar, Jody Jamieson, came into the second and final leg of the Drivers' Championship with a three-point lead after the first leg held at The Meadowlands.

He had no plans of ever relinquishing that lead and stormed out of the gate again in race number one, winning with Split Ticket, to increase his margin on his way to being crowned 2011 Drivers' Champion.

Jamieson also scored a victory in the third leg with Aboycalledsu N to add another 10 points on to his widening margin.

However, the final nail in the coffin came in race number six in the fourth division when Jamieson finished second with Smooth Power, collecting seven points and sending all other drivers' hopes of winning up in a blaze.

For the win, Jamieson collected $25,000, a commemorative ring from Bow River Jewelry, and an Evolution Race Bike from Evolution Racing.

Yannick Gingras collected 10 points in the fourth division of the Drivers' Championship, winning with 42-1 upset winner Mystical Con, which helped him secure second place good for $5,000.

Ron Pierce came into the final division of the Drivers' Championship in seventh place, but rallied late to get a win with Arockin Hanover and leap frog over the field into third and secure $4,000.

George Brennan and Brian Sears finished in a tie for fourth, Tim Tetrick was sixth, Ed Hensley and David Miller all square in seventh, while Andy Miller was ninth.

In the Zweig Memorial for 3-year-old colt and gelding trotters, Broad Bahn rebounded off of his loss in the Colonial to take home a division of the Zweig in 1:55.3.

Brennan gained control of the field and cut through fractions of 27.3, 58, and 1:26.1 before going away from the field with ease to win for the fifth time in 10 seasonal starts.

The 3-year-old son of Broadway Hall – Madonarail added the Zweig Memorial to his growing collection of triumphs for trainer Noel Daley, and became the first trotter in 15 years to win the Hambletonian and Zweig in the same season.

"He was good tonight," said winning driver George Brennan. "We were lucky to get to the half in 58 tonight and he was okay. He wasn't Hambletonian good, but we got lucky with a good spot and he got the job done tonight."

In the other division for 3-year-old colt trotters, Charlie De Vie and David Miller made a quarter pole move the winning one and never looked back en route to a 1:53.2 triumph over Bambino Hall.

The 3-year-old son of Yankee Glide – Knickers Hanover made it his second consecutive victory and seventh of the year in 11 starts for trainer Chris Ryder.

In the Zweig Memorial Trot for the ladies, Beatgoesonhanover used a pocket trip to guide her to victory past the heavily favored Jezzy in 1:55.3.

It was the fifth win in nine seasonal starts for the 3-year-old daughter of Andover Hall – Beat The Wheel for driver David Miller, and trainer Richard "Nifty" Norman.

In the second division of the Zweig Memorial for 3-year-old trotting fillies, Pantholops followed the favorite Some Girls around the track through fractions of 28.3, 59.1, and 1:28.1 before gearing up for the stretch drive.

Down the stretch Pantholops was urged on by driver Andy Miller before nipping Some Girls at the wire in 1:56.4.

Jonas Czernyson trains the 3-year-old daughter of Andover Hall – Klipspringer, who posted victory for the second time in 10 career starts.

For more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Aruba Vacation lowers track record in Tioga Saturday night feature


Hometown favorite, Aruba Vacation, and Fern Paquet Jr. captured Saturday night's $18,000 open trot at Tioga Downs, and posted a new track record for 4-year-old gelding trotters.

Leaving from post position number six, Paquet and "Aruba" quickly took control of the field through fractions of 28 and 58.1.

Down the backside and headed towards three quarters, the race favorite Winning Fireworks (Phil Fluet) posted a first over bid but couldn't even reach the wheel of the pacesetter.

As the field struck the three quarter mark of the race in 1:26.1, the only threat to Aruba Vacation was the 55-1 pocket sitting Howd That Feel and Jason Mac Dougall.

Down the stretch Howd That Feel tipped to the outside but wasn't much of a threat as Aruba Vacation cruised to victory in 1:55.1 stamping his name into the Tioga Downs record books.

Guy Howard trains the 4-year-old homebred son of Dream Vacation – Dixie Hit, who scored for the fifth time in 21 starts this season and with the win increased his seasonal bankroll to $68,000.

Howd The Feel (Jason Mac Dougall) finished second, while Whybabywhy (Jim Meittinis) used a rail ride to finish third.

Due to concerns about the weather and traveling conditions along the East Coast, Tioga Downs has postponed the Sunday, August 28 race card in its entirety to Monday, August 29th with a post time of 6:30PM.

The card will be moved intact, the Zweig Memorial Stakes and the Drivers' Championship will be contested as planned on Monday.

"We recognize and appreciate the commitment and support of our horsemen and it is out of concern for their welfare and that of their horses that we make this postponement. Travel conditions especially with horse trailers in high winds will be challenging at best and the safety of our horsemen and their horses is our chief concern," said Jeffrey R. Gural, Chairman of American Racing and Entertainment.

For more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com.

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Freedom Crossing takes Tioga Downs Friday night feature


In the Friday night $18,000 Fillies and Mares Open Pace, Freedom Crossing and Mike Micallef turned a pocket trip into a victory for trainer Kevin Efimetz.

Leaving from post position number five, Freedom Crossing left strongly to take control of the field past an opening panel of 27.2.

The heavy favorite McFlirty and Ed Hensley quickly surged to the front from third and led the field of six through fractions of 56 and 1:24.3.

Around the final turn, Micallef pulled Freedom Crossing out of the pocket and surged by the leader in the lane to win in 1:53.

It was the sixth win in 16 starts for the 4-year-old daughter of Artiscape – Bunker To Bunker, who with the victory increased her seasonal earnings to more than $60,000.

McFlirty (Ed Hensley) hung on for second, while Penny Pincher (Corey Braden) turned a rail ride into a third place finish.

Jimmy Marohn Jr. posted a driving triple on the evening's 12-race card, while Phil Fluet and Mike Micallef each recorded doubles.

Tioga Downs continues live racing on Saturday, August 27th at 6:50 pm.

For more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Drivers select charities for earnings on Drivers' Championship races


The nine drivers competing in the six Drivers' Championship races on Sunday afternoon (August 28) at Tioga Downs have all selected a charity and agreed to donate their 5% earnings on those races to those charities.

David Miller, Ed Hensley, Tim Tetrick, and Yannick Gingras have all selected the Standardbred Retirement Foundation as their 2011 charity.

Brian Sears will be competing for the August Horseplay Charity of the month at Tioga Downs, STAT (Southern Tier Alternative Therapies), who works with special needs children through alternative therapies, including animal assisted therapies.

Jody Jamieson, who is leading at the halfway point, will be donating his earnings to Luke’s Troops, which supports Canadian troops fighting for freedom and once back home takes the troops to NHL games.

George Brennan has selected Wounded Warrior Project as his 2011 Drivers' Championship charity.

The Wounded Warrior Project provides programs and services to severely injured service members during the time between active duty and the transition to civilian life.

Ron Pierce will once again be driving for his charity, Blackwater Wildlife Refuge, in Cambridge, MD.

The Blackwater Wildlife Refuge helps protect land in Maryland for swamp land and animals that call this place their home.

As in years past, Tioga Downs Casino and Jeff Gural will personally match dollar-for-dollar all the money that is raised for charity with the drivers' earnings.

Six races have been put together for the final leg of the 2011 Drivers' Championship at Tioga Downs to kick off on Sunday, August 28th at 1:30 pm.

Also featured on Sunday at Tioga Downs is the $420,000e Zweig Memorial Trot for 3-year-old trotters.

Hambletonian winner Broad Bahn leads a group of 15 colts in two divisions of the Zweig, while Hambletonian Oaks winner Bold And Fresh, and New York superstar, Jezzy, will eye up another battle in one of two divisions for the fillies.

The annual driver meet-and-greet will begin on the trackside apron at Noon along with the Tim Tetrick Bobblehead giveaway (while supplies last).

Tioga Downs and the USTA have joined forces on Sunday to offer a $5,000 guaranteed pick four pool on the final four races of the afternoon (10 through 13).

Going into the final leg of the Drivers' Championship, Jody Jamieson holds a three-point lead over Yannick Gingras and Brian Sears, who sit tied for second with 20 points.

Tioga Downs continues live racing on Friday, August 26th at 6:50 pm.

For more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

$5,000 Pick Four Guaranteed Pool set for Sunday at Tioga Downs


This Sunday (August 28th) will be a featured day for Tioga Downs with the $50,000 Fifth Annual Drivers' Championship along with the Zweig Memorial Trot beginning at 1:30 pm.

Also, adding to the excitement for Sunday afternoon, is a $5,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool that will be on the final four races of the afternoon's card.

As part of the USTA Strategic Wagering Program, Tioga Downs has teamed up with the USTA to offer the customers of Tioga Downs a chance at the guaranteed $5,000 pool.

The guarantee will only apply if someone successfully selects four of four in the pick four wager.

The day at Tioga Downs will kick off at 12:00 noon with a driver meet-and-greet with all nine drivers competing in the Drivers' Championship along with a Tim Tetrick Bobblehead giveaway on the trackside apron.

Going into the final leg of the Drivers' Championship, Jody Jamieson holds a three-point lead over Yannick Gingras and Brian Sears, who sit tied for second with 20 points.

Tioga Downs continues live racing on Friday, August 26th at 6:50 pm.

For more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com.

"Inside Harness Racing" Debuts New Technology



"Inside Harness Racing" puts viewers in the driver's seat.

We debut new technology that gives racing fans the chance to look through the eyes of a driver.

We strapped a GoPro® HD Hero Camera on driver Fern Paquet, Jr.'s helmet and sulky during morning training.

See what it's like on this week's episode of "Inside Harness Racing."

Viewers can see all the action tonight (Wednesday) at 6:00 PM on Time Warner Cable Sports throughout Upstate New York.

Viewers are encouraged to check their local listings for the channel in their area.

Canadian viewers can also watch "Inside Harness Racing" on HPItv during their morning programming.

Fans outside the viewing areas can watch the show and all previous episodes on the Tioga Downs YouTube Channel.

For the first time in its five-year history, the Tioga Downs Drivers' Championship included a first round held over the weekend at The Meadowlands.

We look back at Jody Jamieson's victory and look ahead to Sunday's $25,000 final round.

Plus, after a year away from the races recovering from an injury, Canadian pacer OK Commander continues his triumphant return to the track at Tioga Downs for trainer Gregg McNair.

"Inside Harness Racing" is a 30-minute, fast-paced look into the harness racing scene at Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs.

The program is hosted and produced by Justin Horowitz with production and videography by Jim Rotundo.

For more information on Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs, visit their websites at www.tiogadowns.com and www.vernondowns.com.

Sunday, August 21, 2011

2-year-old filly pacers in NYSS highlight Tioga Sunday card


Five divisions of New York Sire Stakes for 2-year-old filly pacers highlighted the Sunday afternoon card at Tioga Downs.

In the third division of the day, Jason Bartlett steered JK Fine Art to her fourth victory of the year for trainer Linda Toscano.

Bartlett grabbed control of the mile through an opening quarter in a speed 26.2.

JK Fine Art continued to lead the field of eight fillies through fractions of 56.1 and 1:24.4 before heavy pressure was put down on her.

Table Games and Brandon Simpson pulled out of the two hole rounding the final turn and looked as though the duo were going to go by, however JK Fine Art was tough as nails on the lead hanging on to win in 1:54.4.

Arm In Arm (Howard Parker) got up for second, while Weekend Getaway (Phil Fluet) closed quickly for third.

The 2-year-old daughter of Art Major – Presidential Lady is owned by the 3 Brothers Stable of New York, and William Jacobwoitz of New Jersey.

Other division winners on the day included: JK Cracklin Rosie: Jason Bartlett – 1:54.3 (American Ideal – J K On Broadway), Double Major: Brandon Simpson – 1:54.2 (Art Major – Mommy Robin Q), Bella Marta: Brandon Simpson – 1:55.4 (Art Major – Noble Martha), and Park Lane Paige: Ed Hensley – 1:54 (Art Major – Impagain Hanover).

Brandon Simpson posted a driving grand slam on the afternoon's 13-race card while Jason Bartlett, Jordan Stratton, and Ed Hensley each posted driving doubles.

Tioga Downs continues live racing on Friday, August 26th at 6:50 pm.

For more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com.

Paquet wins six on Saturday night at Tioga


Fern Paquet Jr. celebrated his wife's birthday on Saturday night by posting six wins on the night's 12-race card at Tioga Downs.

Paquet started off the night in the first race, winning with long shot Shady Chip returning $47.00 to win.

Paquet then went on to win races three, six, seven, eight, and 12, and just missed in the $18,000 feature with favorite Aruba Vacation in race number nine.

In the $18,000 featured Open Trot, Mach Ten made his second start at Tioga Downs with driver Phil Fluet and loomed in the back of the field as P L Conjure cut through fractions of 28, 58.1, and 1:26.1.

Around the final turn race favorite Aruba Vacation pulled the pocket to take control of the field down the stretch, but Fluet was flying three wide to get the narrow victory in a new lifetime best of 1:55.2.

Michelle Gramza trains the 5-year-old son of International Chip – Meadowbranch Mary for Dianne Mahiques of Angola, NY.

The win was the eighth of the year for Mach Ten, and with the victory increased his seasonal earnings to more than $58,000.

Tioga Downs continues live racing on Sunday, August 21st at 1:30 pm and will feature five divisions of New York Sire Stakes for 2-year-old filly pacers.

For more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com.

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Leanback Coco again in Tioga Friday night feature


Friday night got back to usual after last week's Wynonna Judd concert at Tioga Downs, and things didn't change as Leanback Coco once again proved toughest in the $18,000 Fillies and Mare Open handicap pace.

Phil Fluet used the usual tactic of backing the mare off the gate and settled in fourth past the quarter in 27.3.

On the front end Mike Micallef and Freedom Crossing used their move and blistered on the front end through a half in 55.4.

Down the backside it looked as though Coco was in trouble as she was locked in on the rail past three quarters in 1:24, but around the final turn Fluet found room and fanned four wide.

Down the stretch it looked like Hello Great Mate might post the upset, but Leanback Coco was right on her back and got by Hello Great Mate and Fern Paquet Jr. stopping the timer in 1:54.

The win was the fourth in the last six starts for Leanback Coco, who has posted six Open wins at Tioga Downs in 2011.

Phil Fluet and Chuck Connor Jr. both posted driving doubles on the night's 10-race card.

Tioga Downs continues live racing on Saturday, August 20th at 6:50 pm.

For more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com.

Tioga Downs announces new paddock plans for 2012


Tioga Downs management and the Southern Tier Harness Horsemen's Association have been in negotiations and have plans to build a new paddock on the backstretch side of the racetrack for the 2012 race season.

The new paddock will be in the current location of the race office and commission building and will hold eight to nine races and will also be home to a new commission and race office.

The location of the current paddock will be the new home for the Tioga Downs Hotel, once the paddock is relocated.

The plans are to break ground later in 2011 and have the paddock up and ready to go by the 2012 race season.

"We feel that with the addition of the new paddock located on the backstretch side of the racetrack, that Tioga Downs will be an even bigger destination for horsemen located throughout the East Coast," said Guy Howard, President of the STHHA.

Tioga Downs continues live racing on Friday, August 19th at 6:50 pm.

For more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

First Leg of the Tioga Downs-Meadowlands Drivers' Championship set for Saturday night at the Big M


Four races have been slated to make up the opening leg of the 5th Annual Drivers' Championship to begin on Saturday, August 20th on closing night at The Meadowlands.

The Championship will kick off in race number two at the Big M featuring Yannick Gingras, David Miller, Ron Pierce, George Brennan, Ed Hensley, Tim Tetrick, Andy Miller, Brian Sears, and Jody Jamieson.

All nine drivers will compete for points to gain the upper edge on the competition looking towards the second leg which will take place on Sunday, August 28th at Tioga Downs.

The leading driver in points after The Meadowlands leg will take home $10,000 and be in the best spot to land another $25,000 in Nichols, New York.

Saturday night at The Meadowlands, races two, five, eight, and ten will be Drivers' Championship races that the nine drivers will compete in to earn points.

The point system is as follows: 1st place–10 points, 2nd place–7 points, 3rd place–5 points, 4th place–3 points and 5th place–1 point.

When the Championship heads to Tioga, purses for the races used for the events have been bumped up 20% for Sunday, August 28th.

Plus, trainer bonus checks will be paid out in races used for the Championship for horses finishing sixth through ninth, each will be paid $100.

Entries for the Drivers' Championship races are due in to the Tioga race office by Thursday, August 25th at 9:00 am and can be called in to 607.699.7688.

Condition sheets can be found online at www.tiogadowns.com

Also featured on Sunday, August 28th at Tioga Downs is the $420,000e Zweig Memorial Trot for 3-year-old trotters.

Last year Temple Of Doom and Lucky Chucky took home the two divisions for male trotters, while Up Front Juansteen and Impressive Kemp took home divisions for filly trotters.

Post time for the Sunday, August 28th race card at Tioga Downs is set for 1:30 pm.

Tioga Downs would like to thank its sponsors for the 2011 Drivers' Championship: Accumark, Allerage Farms, All Event's Engraving, Big Dee's Tack and Vet Supplies, Binghamton Senators, Bow River Jewelry, Community Press, Coon and Son's, Climans Green Liang Architects, Delaware County Fair, Dig Safely, Elmira Jackals, Evolution Racing LLC, Ferris Tractor, Figisbig.com, Harness Racing Hall of Fame, Horsemen & Fair World Magazine, Hub International, Jim Riegle Colors, Larson Design Group, Lexington Select Yearling Sale, LV Harkness, Mainesource, Maitland Trifecta, Nathan's Hot Dogs, Northwood Bloodstock, Oakdale Mall, Ontrack, Roberts Communication Network, STHHA, Tioga State Bank, Winbak Farms, and Youth Beats.

For more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com.

Tioga's Top Driver Hensley Heads to Drivers' Championship



See You at Peelers's quest for her 22nd straight win has to wait one more week.

A torrential downpour and sloppy track prevented the undefeated filly from continuing her streak at Tioga Downs over the weekend.

"Inside Harness Racing" has an exclusive interview with Peelers's driver, Marcus Johansson, who discusses the decision to scratch her and how the unexpected layoff could affect her performance moving forward.

Catch the interview on this week's episode of "Inside Harness Racing."

Viewers can see all the action tonight (Wednesday) at 6:00 PM on Time Warner Cable Sports throughout Upstate New York.

Viewers are encouraged to check their local listings for the channel in their area.

Canadian viewers can also watch "Inside Harness Racing" on HPItv during their morning programming.

Fans outside the viewing areas can watch the show and all previous episodes on the Tioga Downs YouTube Channel.

Top driver Jason Bartlett also returned to Tioga Downs over the weekend.

He sits down in the "Settlemoir Spotlight" and discusses his recovery from a July 4th car accident that put him on the sidelines for six weeks.

Plus, leading Tioga Downs driver Ed Hensley is headed to the Meadowlands this weekend for the first round of the Drivers' Championship.

"Inside Harness Racing" caught up with him as he prepares to represent the home team against the sport's biggest stars on the sport's biggest stage.

"Inside Harness Racing" is a 30-minute, fast-paced look into the harness racing scene at Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs.

The program is hosted and produced by Justin Horowitz with production and videography by Jim Rotundo.

For more information on Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs, visit their websites at www.tiogadowns.com and www.vernondowns.com.

Settlemoir and Huston to Upstate New York Hall


The two newest members of the Upstate New York USHWA Harness Racing Hall of Fame representing Tioga Downs are Jason Settlemoir and Roger Huston.

After the votes were cast, the chapter members were in total agreement and the honorees will receive their "Empire Pinnacle Crystal" awards in the winner's circle at Tioga Downs on Sunday (August 28).

Jason Settlemoir's entire life has been devoted to harness racing.

He was 13 years old when he announced his first race at the Hartford Independent Fair in Licking County, Ohio.

He later did the same at numerous other county fairs in Ohio as well as the West Virginia State Fair.

His ability to describe the action eventually found him as a backup announcer at Scioto Downs and Northfield Park.

He got his first full time management position as Assistant to the Assistant General Manager (Jerry Kalb) at Scioto Downs in 1996, but he was soon promoted to Simulcast Program Manager.

Shortly after that he took on several more jobs there including Track Announcer, Simulcast Director, and Assistant Race Secretary.

In 2005 he was hired by the USTA as Director of Advertising.

But his tenure there was brief because he was offered the opportunity to be a part of a racing renaissance in New York State.

Jeff Gural brought Settlemoir on board to help bring one racetrack back from the brink of extinction and oversee the rebirth of another track that had been shuttered for 28 years.

While expending endless hours of work building a staff, planning promotions and growing simulcast outlets, Settlemoir was an integral part of keeping Vernon Downs alive and guiding Gural's new track, Tioga Downs, to be one of the finest racing facilities in New York.

Currently, Jason Settlemoir is Vice President of Racing and Simulcast for American Racing and Entertainment (Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs).

He is also Simulcast Director for the Little Brown Jug, Vice President of Harness Tracks of America, a Director for the United States Trotting Association District 8 and President of the U.S. Harness Writers Association.

Settlemoir is also active in the sport as a Standardbred owner.

He was awarded the 2006 U.S. Harness Writers Association's Lew Barasch Breakthrough Award for his work in opening up Tioga Downs and making sure Vernon Downs survived.

Settlemoir attended The Ohio State University and resides in Athens, Pa., with his wife, Lori, and their sons, Jeffrey and Travis.

There he is involved in the local community, serving on the Board of Directors for the United Way in Tioga County and chairing their annual fundraising campaign.

He is also on the Board of Directors for the Southern Tier American Red Cross and sits on the Board of Directors for the Tioga County Chamber of Commerce.

Roger Huston is a unique individual. His life exudes harness racing and he incorporates the sport in whatever he does.

He is first and foremost an ambassador to the sport who carries the message where ever he can every day.

In an era where everyone is looking for ways to promote the future of the sport, Huston has been doing just that for over half a century.

One could easily mention his 51 years of announcing 156,000 races at 126 different tracks in 17 states and seven countries or the fact that his voice has been synonymous with the tradition laden Little Brown Jug stake for 44 years.

But that would be too obvious and miss the point of what he really brings to the table.

Huston has done many charity events and fundraisers for various organizations in and out of the sport.

He MC's the New Vocation Horse Adoption auction event during Jug week and has since its inception.

He has called pig races, frog races, and even a race between the two inclines that go up the side of Mount Washington in Pittsburgh for various worthy causes like the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.

And since he is arguably the most recognizable voice in harness racing, each one of these outings is like a billboard advertising the sport to people in all walks of life.

Through his career, charitable activities, and personal life, Roger Huston has introduced untold numbers of new fans to harness racing over the years and his efforts should be an inspiration to everyone in the sport who wishes to see it remain a viable industry for years to come.

Roger Huston has been calling races at Tioga Downs since they opened in 2006 and has been integral to its success with his high energy descriptions and recognizable style.

Sand Savage takes Monday Tioga feature


Sand Savage came into the Tioga Downs featured event on Monday evening after four straight starts without earning a check.

That slump ended as Greg Merton put Sand Savage on the front end and cut through fractions of 27.2 and 56.1 before leading the field towards three quarters.

At the three quarter pole, Sand Savage was well in command as Red Star Paylater (Ed Hensley) sitting in the pocket made a break and scattered the field behind him.

That paved the way for Sand Savage to have a walk across finish at the wire in 1:53.2.

Sisyphus (Phil Fluet) avoided the breaking horses to finish second, while Stormin Rustler (Corey Braden) was fanned out wide, but finished third.

Scott Blackler trains the 4-year-old son of Allamerican Native–Sheer Hose for Paganelli, Lightning 5 Racing, Daddario, and Maclean.

The win was the seventh of the year for Sand Savage, who with the victory increased his seasonal bankroll to more than $67,000.

Phil Fluet posted a driving grand slam on the evening's 13-race card, while Lewayne Miller, Jimmy Marohn Jr., and Greg Merton each recorded doubles.

Tioga Downs continues live racing on Friday, August 19th at 6:50 pm.

For more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com.

Saturday, August 13, 2011

New York State Fair Stakes highlight Tioga Saturday night card


The New York State Fair rolled into Tioga Downs on Saturday night for a two-day stay and featured five divisions, two for 3-year-old colt pacers and three for 3-year-old colt trotters.

In the second division for 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers, a new track record was marked up by Art Z and Brandon Simpson.

Leaving hard from post position number six, Art Z tripped the quarter pole timer in 26.3.

As the field headed by the three-eighth's pole, Flipper J and Jason Bartlett took control of the lead and cut through a half in 55.2.

Down the backside headed towards three quarters it was a two horse breakaway as Bartlett throttled the third quarter in 27 trying to shake Art Z, but he was painted to his helmet in two.

Down the stretch there was no doubt about the winner as Art Z and Brandon Simpson eased by the leader to stop the tele-timer in 1:50.4, establishing a new track mark for 3-year-old gelding pacers.

The previous mark had been held by Frankyluvsmeatbals of 1:51.1.

Art Z is trained by Jordan Rubin for Richard Lombardo of Solon, OH, and with the win increased his seasonal earnings to more than $114,000.

In the first $57,603 division for sophomore pacers, American Rage used a first over brush to take control of the lead and never relinquish it en route to a 1:52.1 victory, establishing a new lifetime mark with Ed Hensley.

The most impressive victory in the three divisions of the State Fair Stakes for 3-year-old trotters was put up by Keenan in the second division and extended his win streak to six.

Leaving from post position number seven, Jeff Gregory landed on the point and never looked back trotting home in 1:55.1 to win with ease.

In the other divisions, Bristles Winner (Jeff Gregory) posted a narrow victory in 1:55.4, while Tober (Jason Bartlett) posted an open length win in 1:56.

Tioga Downs continues live racing on Sunday, August 14th at 1:30 pm and will feature the undefeated sophomore pacing sensation, See You At Peelers, in race number eight.

For more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com.

Friday, August 12, 2011

Lawgiver Hanover and Royal Shyster Shine on Opening Night of State Fair Races


New York Sires Stakes standouts Royal Shyster and Lawgiver Hanover produced the fastest divisional scores during Thursday night's $171,820 New York State Fair racing program at Vernon Downs.

Royal Shyster ($2.40) recorded a career-best 1:58.1 victory in the fourth division of Thursday's $83,688 NYSS-sponsored contest for 2-year-old colt/gelding trotters, while Lawgiver Hanover ($11.60) equaled his 1:53 record with a feisty first-place finish in the third flight of an $88,132 battle among New York-bred freshman male pacers.

With trainer Dan Daley driving for owners Ann-Mari Daley (Dan’s wife), Albert C. Crawford, Richard Lombardo and Robert Pergament, Royal Shyster powered to a convincing tally in Thursday's eighth event that improved his fledgling record to four wins and two second-place finishes in six career starts.

Three of his scores have come in NYSS action, while the other was a first-place finish in the Tompkins-Geers Stake at Tioga Downs on July 14.

The son of RC Royalty-Spin The Planet is now a winner of $54,437.

With Jim Morrill, Jr. teaming for trainer Mark Harder, Lawgiver Hanover, a son of Art Major-Lauren Order, hustled to a front-ending, ¾-length triumph in Thursday's ninth race that advanced his record to three wins and a second in four outings for owners Rick Phillips, Deena Rachel Frost and the W Springtime Racing Stable.

In addition to a pair of NYSS scores, the career-winner of nearly $36,000 secured his record in the Tompkins-Geers Stake at Tioga on July 17.

Thursday's other NYSF divisional winners in the trotting test were Credicity, in 1:59.2 for Wanda Polisseni's Purple Haze Stables; Coraggioso, in 1:59.4 for owners Joe Spadaro and Tom J. Durkin, and Archangel, in 1:59.4 for trainer/part-owner Peter Arrigenna and his partners Clare Semer and Alan Hainsworth.

Thursday's NYSF triumphs on the pace were by Forever Just, in 1:54.2, lifting his record to four wins (one in the Geers and three in NYSS action) and a second in five official appearances for Fred Wallace and the Stake Your Claim Stable; Raymond J, in 1:54.4 for local owner Ken Jacobs, and Glass Prince, in 1:55.1 for the Stake Your Claim Stable, improving his 2011 chart to three NYSS tallies, a second-place finish and a third in five starts.

Driver Tim Tetrick tallied four times during Thursday's 12-race card, Linda Toscano earned three training credits, while Morrill posted a driving double.

Newcomer Sold Out (part-owner and trainer Pat Lachance teaming for the Z Tam Stables), captured the week's $10,000 Open for female pacers with a life's best 1:54.3 performance in race seven.

DOWNS DOINGS - Seven of Thursday's winners earned win marks; while two others equaled their career-best clockings... Friday's 12-race card includes six divisional New York State Fair match-ups for 2-year-old filly trotters and four for first-year female pacers. First post will be at 6:55 p.m... Additional information regarding the track's 2011 season, its casino and newly-renovated hotel can be obtained at www.vernondowns.com, and on Facebook.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Southern Tier Harness Horsemen's Association elects two new directors to board


The Southern Tier Harness Horsemen's Association of Tioga Downs held its election and two new directors have been elected to serve on the board.

One of Tioga's top drivers, Fern Paquet Jr., and Jeff Sorenson will join the STHHA board of directors for the very first time.

"All of us in the STHHA would like to thank Kim Burris and Sara Osmeloski for their years of service as past directors on our board, and we would like to welcome Fern and Jeff to the STHHA," said STHHA President, Guy Howard.

Tioga Downs continues live racing on Saturday, August 13th at 6:50 pm.

For more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

See You at Peelers Returns to Tioga Downs




The undefeated superstar See You at Peelers is coming back to the scene of her world record performance.

Trainer Jimmy Takter confirmed the filly will race Sunday, August 13 at Tioga Downs.

Find out more on this week's episode of "Inside Harness Racing."

Viewers can see all the action tonight (Wednesday) at 6:00 PM on Time Warner Cable Sports throughout Upstate New York.

Viewers are encouraged to check their local listings for the channel in their area.

We’re also pleased to announce that "Inside Harness Racing" is expected to be broadcast in Canada on HPItv during their morning programming for the remainder of the season.

Fans outside the viewing areas can watch the show and all previous episodes on the Tioga Downs YouTube Channel.

Broad Bahn may be the sport's newest celebrity after his Hambletonian win; but, Tioga Downs's very own parade marshal, Wendy Ross, made her own Meadowlands debut on Saturday.

On this week's episode, follow Wendy and her horse Floyd on their road to the Hambletonian.

While most of the harness racing world had their eyes on last weekend's Hambletonian, Vernon Downs put a new spin on the old tradition with the first edition of the "Vernontonian" and "Dashtonian" that produced new track records.

"Inside Harness Racing" is a 30-minute, fast-paced look into the harness racing scene at Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs.

The program is hosted and produced by Justin Horowitz with production and videography by Jim Rotundo.

For more information on Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs, visit their websites at www.tiogadowns.com and www.vernondowns.com.

Andy Miller named sponsor's exemption for 2011 Tioga Downs–Meadowlands Drivers' Championship


Tioga Downs is proud to announce that Andy Miller will be the 2011 Sponsor's Exemption for the 2011 Drivers' Championship at Tioga Downs and the Meadowlands.

Not only was Andy Miller's high level of talent a determining factor in his selection; but, Andy showed great support to The Meadowlands during times of uncertainty and great loyalty to not only New Jersey racing, but also to the sport as a whole.

He will join George Brennan, Tim Tetrick, Ron Pierce, Jody Jamieson, Brian Sears, David Miller, Yannick Gingras, and Ed Hensley to compete for more than $50,000, a new Tom Harmer Evolution Race Bike, and a commemorative ring from Bow River Jewelry.

The format of the Drivers' Championship is slightly modified this year.

The Meadowlands will host three or four races on their closing night, Saturday, August 20th.

The drivers will then take those points and carry them over to Tioga Downs for the final on Sunday, August 28th.

However, the driver leading after the Meadowlands leg will receive $10,000.

Also featured on Sunday, August 28th at Tioga Downs is the $420,000 estimated Zweig Memorial Trot for 3-year-old trotters.

Last year, Temple Of Doom and Lucky Chucky took home the two divisions for male trotters while Up Front Juansteen and Impressive Kemp took home divisions for filly trotters.

Post time for the Sunday, August 28th race card at Tioga Downs is set for 1:30 pm.

Tioga Downs would like to thank its sponsors for the 2011 Drivers' Championship: Accumark, Allerage Farms, All Event's Engraving, Big Dee's Tack and Vet Supplies, Binghamton Senators, Bow River Jewelry, Community Press, Coon and Son's, Climans Green Liang Architects, Delaware County Fair, Dig Safely NY, Elmira Jackals, Evolution Racing LLC, Ferris Tractor, Figisbig.com, Harness Racing Hall of Fame, Horsemen & Fair World Magazine, Hub International, Jim Riegle Colors, Larson Design Group, Lexington Select Yearling Sale, LV Harkness, Mainesource, Maitland Trifecta, Nathan's Hot Dogs, Northwood Bloodstock, Oakdale Mall, Ontrack, Roberts Communication Network, STHHA, Tioga State Bank, Winbak Farms and Youth Beats.

For more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com.

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Sheer Brilliance back to winning ways in Tioga Sunday afternoon feature


Sheer Brilliance headed back to his roots after nearly two months on the road since his last start at Tioga Downs.

In Sunday afternoon's $18,000 Open Handicap pace, Corey Braden wasted no time getting Sheer Brilliance to the front from post position number six through an opening panel of 26.1.

Once the duo seated I Wanna Go Fast and Fern Paquet Jr. in the two hole, Braden slowed down the second quarter striking the half mile point in 55.4.

Down the backside and headed towards three quarters, That's Justice (Phil Fluet) headed out first over to challenge the leader, but Sheer Brilliance was in full gear on the front end pacing a third quarter in 27 to reach three quarters in 1:22.4.

Around the final turn Sheer Brilliance had one opponent left with Fern Paquet Jr. and the pocket sitting I Wanna Go Fast.

The pair battled neck and neck down the stretch, but in the final strides Sheer Brilliance proved too tough for I Wanna Go Fast stopping the timer in a season equaling best of 1:50.4.

Jeff Long trains and co-owns the 6-year-old son of Blissful Hall–High Roller Ash with Paul Long.

I Wanna Go Fast nailed down the place spot, while That's Justice despite a tough first over journey was third.

Jordan Stratton, Stephane Bouchard, Corey Braden, and Sam Schillaci each posted driving doubles on the afternoon's 13-race card.

Tioga Downs continues live racing on Saturday, August 13th at 6:50 pm.

For more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com.

Tioga Downs–Meadowlands Drivers' Championship field partially set



After a day of big money on the line at The Meadowlands Racetrack on Saturday afternoon, Sunday morning the final standings of the drivers' earnings were set in stone.

The top seven money winning drivers in North America will be invited to participate in the Fifth Annual Drivers' Championship at Tioga Downs, and for the first time ever, The Meadowlands will host an opening segment for the Drivers' Championship on their closing night, Saturday, August 20th.

Drivers will earn points on three or four races at The Big M, and will carry those accumulated points with them to Tioga Downs for the final on Sunday, August 28th with a 1:30 pm post time.

Top prize for the final at Tioga Downs will be $25,000, a Tom Harmer Evolution Race Bike, and a commemorative ring from Bow River Jewelry.

However, the leader at the "turn", following the Meadowlands leg will not go home empty handed as the leader at the halfway point will receive $10,000.

"This is a great new concept for this event that will get people hyped up for the final at Tioga on Sunday, August 28th," said Jason M. Settlemoir, VP of Racing and Simulcast. "Our sponsors have really stepped up this year for the event and we want to thank all of them because they are the ones who make this event possible."

The top seven money winning drivers in North America are as follows: George Brennan, Tim Tetrick, Ron Pierce, Jody Jamieson, Brian Sears, David Miller, Yannick Gingras, and representing Tioga Downs in 2011 will be leading driver Ed Hensley.

A sponsor's exemption for the event will be announced later this week.

The exciting event kicks off at The Meadowlands on their closing night, Saturday, August 20th and carries over to Tioga Downs on Sunday, August 28th.

Tioga Downs will also feature a driver meet and greet along with a Tim Tetrick Bobblehead giveaway on this date, beginning at 12:00 noon on the trackside apron.

Tioga Downs would like to thank its sponsors for the 2011 Drivers' Championship: Accumark, Allerage Farms, All Event's Engraving, Big Dee's Tack and Vet Supplies, Binghamton Senators, Bow River Jewelry, Community Press, Coon and Son's, Climans Green Liang Architects, Delaware County Fair, Dig Safely NY, Elmira Jackals, Evolution Racing LLC, Ferris Tractor, Figisbig.com, Harness Racing Hall of Fame, Horsemen & Fair World Magazine, Hub International, Jim Riegle Colors, Larson Design Group, Lexington Select Yearling Sale, LV Harkness, Mainesource, Maitland Trifecta, Nathan's Hot Dogs, Northwood Bloodstock, Oakdale Mall, Ontrack, Roberts Communication Network, STHHA, Tioga State Bank, Winbak Farms and Youth Beats.

For more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com.

Rookie Mistake in Tioga Saturday feature


Rookie Mistake and Ed Hensley took home Saturday night's featured event in the $18,000 Open Handicap Trot.

Starting from post position number four, Hensley backed Rookie Mistake off the gate and ducked in fifth as Howd That Feel and Aruba Vacation battled through an opening panel of 27.3.

As the field passed the half mile mark of the race in 57.4, Hensley swung Rookie Mistake off the pylons to follow a first over Twin B Navigator and Robert Bath towards three quarters in 1:27.

Around the final turn Hensley asked Rookie Mistake for more trot three wide and he responded surging to the front and holding off a fast closing Aruba Vacation from the pocket in 1:56.4.

Jennifer Lappe trains and owns the 5-year-old son of CR Excalibur–Nowhere Fast, who posted his second win of the year with the victory, and returned $13.00 to win.

Aruba Vacation (Fern Paquet Jr.) was second, All About Justice (Phil Fluet) was third, and Jack's Reef (Corey Braden) rounded out the superfecta.

Ed Hensley and Phil Fluet each posted driving triples on the night's 12-race card.

Tioga Downs continues live racing on Sunday, August 7th at 1:30 pm.

For more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com.

Monday, August 1, 2011

Dexter Dunn takes second round of World Driving Championship at Tioga Downs


21-year-old New Zealander, Dexter Dunn, took home the second leg of the World Driving Championship on Monday night at Tioga Downs.

Dunn won the second race of the four-leg series at Tioga on Monday with 15-1 morning line long shot, Charismatic, for trainer Robert Merton Jr.

The New Zealander fanned the 6-year-old son of Western Ideal four-high coming into the homestretch to sweep by the leading Savannah Scion.

Finishing second for the second round was the United States of America’s representative Corey Callahan, while Frank Nivard of France finished third.

The overall standings after two World Driving Championship events are as follows: 1st – Dexter Dunn, 2nd – Jody Jamieson, 3rd – Corey Callahan, 4th – Juan Antonio Riera-Rossello, 5th – Frank Nivard, 6th – Birger Jorgensen, 7th – Enrico Bellei, 8th – Chris Lewis, 9th – Bjorn Goop, 10th – Michal Nimczyk.

Tioga Downs continues live racing on Friday, August 5th at 6:50 pm.

For more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com.