Friday, May 31, 2013

TIOGA DOWNS AND BINGHAMTON METS TEAM UP FOR UNIQUE HARNESS RACING THEMED PROMOTION



TEAM TO WEAR JERSEYS INSPIRED BY HARNESS DRIVER ON JUNE 4TH
Tioga Downs and the Binghamton Mets are joining forces for a first-of-its-kind promotion. On June 4, in their game against the Trenton Thunder, the B-Mets will wear jerseys inspired by the uniform colors of harness racing superstar Yannick Gingras.

In addition, Gingras is scheduled to take the mound and throw out the ceremonial first pitch at 6:35 p.m.

"This is such a great honor for me to see my colors on the field at a professional baseball game," said Yannick Gingras. "I'm excited to be part of this promotion and hopefully we can expose new fans to the great sport of harness racing."

The horses that Gingras drove earned more than $13.7 million in 2012, ranking him second nationally. He currently is the leading driver at The Meadowlands Racetrack in New Jersey.

On June 9, the jerseys worn at the baseball game will be auctioned off during live racing at Tioga Downs with all proceeds benefitting local charities.  In addition, fans at Tioga Downs will receive a replica version of the jerseys free while supplies last.

June 9 is also a top-class day of racing featuring the $200,000 Roll With Joe and $200,000 Artiscape.  Gingras is expected to be at Tioga Downs to drive major contenders in both races. Racing begins at 1:30 p.m.

"We're really looking forward to this cross-promotion with the B-Mets and we hope it’ll help create new fans of both sports," said Justin Horowitz, Regional Racing Marketing Manager at Tioga Downs.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Bettorsluckystreak in New York Excelsior Prep Monday at Tioga Downs


Bettorsluckystreak (right) holds off Ranch Hand
Tioga Downs held a special matinee racing program on Monday, May 27th with an $8,400 New York Excelsior Prep for 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers as the feature.

The win went to Bettorsluckystreak and Jim Taggart Jr. who went to the front from post position number eight through an opening quarter in 27.4. The duo then led the field of nine sophomore pacers through fractions of 57.4 and 1:26.1. Down the stretch Taggart went to work on Bettorsluckystreak with a fast closing Ranch Hand (Marcus Miller) finishing a neck back in second in 1:55.1.

It was the third win in four seasonal starts for Bettorsluckystreak, the 3-year-old son of Bettor's Delight – Cheeky Hanover for trainer, co-owner Gary Messenger.

The favorite Steuben Patriot (Jim Meittinis) shook loose late to finish third, while Major Blue Coat (Fern Paquet Jr.) rounded out the superfecta.

Greg Merton posted a driving triple on the afternoon's 13-race card. Tioga Downs continues live racing action on Saturday, June 1st with a post time of 6:50pm, for more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com.

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Recent News captures Tioga Downs Sunday feature



Recent News and Marcus Miller followed live cover to the winner's circle in the $16,000 open pace on Sunday night at Tioga Downs.

Leaving from post position number four in a field of seven, Recent News settled in fifth as Sheer Brilliance (Corey Braden) took the field to the opening quarter in 27. As the field passed the half mile mark in 55.4, Mike Simons sent Western Trademark first over from third with Marcus Miller and Recent News quickly grabbing his cover. Down the backside, Sheer Brilliance and Western Trademark battled through three quarters in 1:23.4.
Recent News edges Western Trademark in Sunday feature

As the field made their way into the stretch, Simons had put away Sheer Brilliance but his biggest threat was looming off of his shoulder. Miller tipped Recent News three high and sprinted by the leader to win by a half a length in 1:52.2.

The win was the fourth in 17 seasonal outings for the 5-year-old son of Riverboat King – Memorabilia for the ownership group of Curran Racing and Adam Micael and trainer Heidi Rohr. Western Trademark (Mike Simons) hung tough for second, while Sheer Brilliance (Corey Braden) was third.

Corey Braden and Brandon Simpson each posted driving doubles on the night's 10-race card.

Tioga Downs continues live racing action on Monday, May 27th with a post time of 1:30pm, for more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com.

In Your Room scores in Saturday night Tioga feature



In Your Room (Mike Simons) wins Saturday's Open Trot
In Your Room and Mike Simons took home the $16,000 open handicap trot on Saturday night at Tioga Downs.

Leaving from post position number three in a field of seven, Simons settled in third as the field went to the quarter in 27.4 with the favorite, Spice It Up Lindy pressing to the front. Spice It Up Lindy and Jim Meittinis gained control of the race and took the field through a half mile in 56.1 as Simons got under way with In Your Room first over. At the three quarter mark, Simons had surged to the front by three quarters in 1:24.4. Around the final turn In Your Room was in total command and opened up on the field to win by three in 1:53.4.

The mile was a new lifetime mark for the 5-year-old daughter of Cr Excalibur – Chris Image for trainer Gail Wrubel and the Classico Stables of Pennsylvania.

Strong Hope (Mike Merton) closed late to be second, while Spice It Up Lindy (Jim Meittinis) hung on for third.

Greg Merton posted a driving triple on the night's 10-race card, while Mike Simons and Aaron Byron each enjoyed driving doubles.

Tioga Downs continues live racing action on Sunday, May 26th with a post time of 6:50pm, for more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com.

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Hayworth Blue Chip sets life mark in Tioga Friday feature



Hayworth Blue Chip (left) sets new lifetime mark

Hayworth Blue Chip and Jim Meittinis came into Friday night's $16,000 Fillies and Mares Open Pace with two straight second place finishes at Tioga Downs, and a third at Saratoga.

She left on Friday night with her fifth victory of the 2013 racing season and shaved two seconds off of her lifetime mark with a 1:51.4 score.

The duo got away fifth from post position number five through fractions of 27 and 55.3 put up by Billmar Scooter (Mike Simons). Down the backside, James Kennedy pulled Haggin Oaks first up battling through three quarters in 1:23.2 with last week's winner, Little Santamonica (Aaron Byron) following her cover. Around the final turn Meittinis sent Hayworth Blue Chip three wide to swoop the field with a final panel in 27.4 and win by a length in 1:51.4.

Haggin Oaks (James Kennedy) put in a solid effort to finish second, while Little Santamonica (Aaron Byron) rounded out the trifecta. Hayworth Blue Chip, the 4-year-old daughter of Bettor's Delight – Musical Tone returned $27.80 for a two dollar win payoff for trainer Rob Harmon and Karma Racing Inc. of Florida.

Mike Simons and Brandon Simpson each posted driving doubles on the night's 10-race card. Tioga Downs continues live racing action on Saturday, May 25th with a post time of 6:50pm, for more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Deadline looms for Dewey Scholarship

Deweycheatumnhowe
The opportunity for any eligible college student looking to apply for the 2013 Dewey Degree Scholarship is fading fast as there are less than two weeks remaining for them to get their paperwork turned in.

The Upstate New York Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association is looking for eligible high school seniors or returning college students from families of licensed owners, trainers, or drivers who participate full or part time in harness racing.

They can now click here and print out an application that could bring them $1,500 closer to completing their college education.

Through the generosity of Ray Schnittker and Jeff Gural, UNY-USHWA is offering the scholarship named for Schnittker's world class trotter, Deweycheatumnhowe.

The fifth annual "Dewey Degree Scholarship" is an annual fellowship given to an eligible student who meets the criteria and is chosen by the Chapter Officers and an impartial third party judge. 

It is a $1,500 one time, non renewable assistance award.

The applicant must be entering college for the first time this fall or already in a college, university, or trade school and be enrolled as a full time student (12 credit hours minimum). 

Applicants' parent(s), grandparent(s), and/or legal guardian(s) must be a licensed horseman or horsewoman during the year prior to application (in this case, 2012). Only one relative need be licensed to be eligible. The applicant must be at least a high school senior at time of application. Anyone living in the U.S. or Canada is eligible.

You are required to submit an essay discussing your background in harness racing, your work experience in harness racing, what you think could be done to better harness racing in the future, and how you see yourself as part of it. The essay should be around 600 words in length. 

You will also need to submit proof of your relatives licensing and a minimum of two letters of reference -- one from a horseperson and one from a teacher or advisor in your current school.

All documents must be received by UNY-USHWA no later than May 31. The recipient of the 2013 Dewey Degree will be announced shortly thereafter and the scholarship will be presented in the winner's circle at Tioga Downs this summer. We request the winner be present for that presentation.

For more information, or to view previous winners of the scholarship, log onto www.upstatenyushwa.com.

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Western Trademark captures Sunday afternoon feature at Tioga Downs



In Sunday afternoon's $16,000 open handicap pace, Western Trademark and Mike Simons used a tough first over grind to hang on for victory at Tioga Downs.

Western Trademark wins Sunday's Open Pace
Leaving from post position number four, Western Trademark settled in third as One More Laugh (Ray Schnittker) cut through an opening quarter of 27.3. Mike Simons pulled first over from third past the three eighth's mile mark of the race, and raced toe to toe with the leader through fractions of 56.4 and 1:23.2. 

Around the final turn, One More Laugh had enough but Western Trademark wasn't done holding off a late charge from Theseyesrcrying (Jim Meittinis) in 1:52.1.

The win was the second of the year for Western Trademark who is trained by Joe Cordisco for owner Holly Cordisco of Binghamton, NY.

Theseyesrcrying (Jim Meittinis) finished second, while Eastend Eddie (Keith Kamann) got up for third.

Mike Simons posted a driving triple on the afternoon's 13-race card, while Aaron Byron recorded a double.

Tioga Downs continues live racing action on Friday, May 24 with a post time of 6:50pm, for more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com.

Spice It Up Lindy returns a winner at Tioga Downs



Spice It Up Lindy took a week vacation after his last open trot victory, but returned on Saturday night at Tioga Downs and repeated in the $16,000 open trot.

Leaving from post position number four in a field of eight, Jim Meittinis settled in second as Aruba Vacation (Fern Paquet Jr.) got to the opening quarter in 27.3. Into the lane for the first time, Meittinis moved Spice It Up Lindy to the front and controlled the race through a half mile in 57.4.

Down the backside Dan Daley moved Surface Tension first up to challenge the leader through a third quarter in 28, reaching three quarters in 1:25.4. Around the final turn it was all Spice It Up Lindy who opened up on the field to win his fifth of the season, and second straight at Tioga Downs in 1:54.4.

Brookroad Knight (Corey Braden) came from off the pace to finish second, while Surface Tension (Dan Daley) raced well and hung tough for third.

Santo Zuzolo trains and owns the 10-year-old son of SJ's Caviar – Spice World who returned $3.20 for the win.

Mike Simons posted five driving victories on the night's 12-race card, while Greg Merton recorded a double.

Tioga Downs continues live racing action on Sunday, May 19th with a post time of 1:30pm, for more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com.

Friday, May 17, 2013

Little Santamonica takes Tioga Friday feature



Little Santamonica and driver Aaron Byron captured Friday night's $16,000 fillies and mares open pace.

The duo settled in second from the four hole as All Spirit (Jim Marohn Jr.) took the field by the opening quarter in 27.2.

Little Santamonica (Aaron Byron) win Friday's featured race
By the fans and the stands for the first time, Jim Meittinis moved Hayworth Blue Chip to the front from third and got by the half in 56.1. Down the backside, Byron sent Little Santamonica first over through a third quarter in 27.2 and eventually cleared the leader by three quarters in 1:23.3. Around the final turn Byron had Little Santamonica firing on all cylinders to open up on the field and win by three and a half lengths in 1:52.2. 

Tracy Brainard owns and trains the 5-year-old daughter of Little Steven – Tonianne N. Hayworth Blue Chip (Jim Meittinis) hung tough for second, while last week's winner All Spirit (Jim Marohn Jr.) was third. 

Aaron Byron, Jim Marohn Jr., and Brandon Simpson each posted driving doubles on the night's 12-race card.

Tioga Downs continues live racing action on Saturday, May 18th with a post time of 6:50pm, for more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com.

Tioga Downs Offers NYSS Prep races Next Week


With the New York Sire Stakes program on hold for another few weeks, Tioga Downs will offer prep races for NY-eligible three-year-olds next week.

These races are written during the four live race day week next Friday through the Monday, May 27 Memorial Day card. 

There are two classes for each sex and gait, a $7,500e class ($100 entry fee) for Excelsior eligible and a $12,500e class ($250 entry fee) for sire stake horses. Both will go on the same card, as is the practice for the NYSS/Excelsior program. 

Tioga uses a four-day box, with the entries for Friday, May 24 due by 9am on Monday, May 20.

The condition sheet is available on the Tioga website and further information may be gained by calling Director of Racing Jason Bluhm at 607-699-7688.

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Money Twitch A in the Tioga Downs Sunday feature



Money Twitch A and Simon Allard captured Sunday afternoon's $16,000 open pace at Tioga Downs. 

Simon Allard and Money Twitch A capture Sunday's Open Pace
Leaving from post position number five in a field of six, Allard settled in fifth as Eastend Eddie (Keith Kamann) led the field through an opening panel of 27.1. By the three eighths pole Greg Merton moved heavily favored River Shark first over from sixth with Money Twitch A moving to the outside to draft his live cover. River Shark was in a tough spot grinding first over through a 55.1 half before heading into the strong head wind by three quarters in 1:23.4. Around the final turn, Allard tipped Money Twitch three wide off of Merton's cover and quickly stepped by the leader and opened up in the stretch to win by a length in 1:52.4.

Recent News (Marcus Miller) followed Money Twitch third over throughout the mile and followed his cover to finish second, while One More Laugh (Ray Schnittker) despite traffic problems found room late to finish third. Last week's winner, Windsum Callum nailed down the fourth spot, while heavily favored River Shark with the tough trip could do no better than fifth.

Fern Paquet Jr. and Greg Merton each posted driving doubles on the afternoon's 13-race card. Tioga Downs continues live racing action on Friday, May 17th with a post time of 6:50pm, for more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com.

Aruba Vacation captures Saturday night Open trot



Tioga Downs' hometown horse, Aruba Vacation and Fern Paquet Jr. captured Saturday night's $16,000 Open trot.

Local favorite Aruba Vacation captures Saturday's Open Trot
Leaving from post position number three in a field of seven, Paquet put Aruba Vacation on the engine through early fractions of 27.2 and 57.1. Down the backside, Aaron Byron sent Sand Wyndham first up from third to challenge the leader through a third quarter of 28.2 reaching three quarters in 1:25.3. Around the final turn Aruba Vacation had rebuffed all challengers and opened up to win by two lengths for his fourth win of the season in 1:56.

Guy Howard trains the 6-year-old homebred son of Dream Vacation – Dixie Hit who with the win increased his career bankroll to more than $468,000.

Don't Know Chip (Jim Marohn Jr.) closed late to finish second, while pocket sitting Cowgirl Hall (Gates Brunet) hung on for third. Fern Paquet Jr. posted a four bagger on the night's 12-race card winning with Aruba Vacation, Grey Ice, Herecomesthechief, and Mystical Con.

Tioga Downs continues live racing action on Sunday, May 12th with a post time of 1:30pm, for more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com.

Friday, May 10, 2013

All Spirit takes home Tioga Friday night feature


The 7-year-old pacing mare All Spirit felt right back at home on Friday night at Tioga Downs when she visited one of her favorite spots, the winner's circle.

All Spirit and Jimmy Marohn Jr. were hampered with post position number eight in last week's FM Open pace, and could do no better than sixth after getting away last.

This week the pair enjoyed post position number one, and settled in fourth through a driving rain storm that saw heavy favorite, Ramona Disomma leading through early fractions of 27.3 and 57.

Down the backside, Aaron Byron sent Little Santamonica first over from third with All Spirit tracking on her back.

Little Santamonica and Ramona Disomma raced head to head by three quarters in 1:25.3.

Around the final turn, Marohn tipped All Spirit three-wide to open up in the stretch and win by two in 1:54.1.

It was the first win in three seasonal starts for the daughter of Bettor's Delight – Spirit Of Ivy for trainer Judy Lanpher and owner Larry Lanpher of Florida.

Hayworth Blue Chip (Jim Meittinis) closed to be second, while Blows Me Away (Sam Schillaci) also came from off the pace to finish third. 

Tioga Downs continues live racing action on Saturday, May 11th with a post time of 6:50pm, for more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com.

TIOGA DOWNS ‘SHOWDOWN’ CONTEST OPEN FOR REGISTRATION TODAY



Online handicapping contest beginning May 17 offers free entry, $1,500 top prize
 
After launching a similar contest at Vernon Downs last month with more than 500 entries, Tioga Downs has opened registration for its own version of the Showdown Online Handicapping Contest. Though the contest does not begin until May 17, free registration is open now.

Tioga Downs Showdown requires contestants to select one horse in any race each racing night.  That horse must finish first, second or third in order for the contestant to remain in the competition.  If the contestant is successful, they will advance to the next race night, otherwise, they will be eliminated.

The contestant that lasts the longest will win the $1,500 top prize. The runner-up will receive $750.

Tioga Downs has also partnered with Trackmaster to offer contestants free platinum past performances for a selected race of the day throughout the duration of the contest.

“I was really pleased with the response we received to the contest at Vernon and I wanted fans and horseplayers to get the same opportunity to compete for the $1,500 top prize with Tioga up and running now,” said Justin Horowitz, Regional Racing Marketing Manager for Tioga Downs.

Fans are encouraged to register now by visiting showdown.tiogadowns.com.

All contestants must be registered and submit their selection no later than 10 minutes before the first post time at Tioga Downs. First post time on May 17 is 6:50 p.m.

Free online streaming video is also available on the Tioga Downs website so contestants can follow along with their selections each race night.

Live racing resumes at Tioga Downs Friday (tonight) with a 6:50 p.m. first post time.

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

INSIDE HARNESS RACING RETURNS FOR FOURTH SEASON ON TIME WARNER CABLE SPORTS CHANNEL



Deweycheatumnhowe, Marcus Miller, and Tioga Downs Opening Day Featured on Season Premiere May 8

NICHOLS, NY –Inside Harness Racing, the fast-paced, half-hour program chronicling the happenings at Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs, returns for its fourth season on May 8 (today) at 6:00 PM EST on Time Warner Cable Sports Channel.  The show continues to be hosted by Lew Barasch Breakthrough Award honoree Justin Horowitz.

The new season kicks off with a jam-packed episode. A story about 2008 Hambletonian winner Deweycheatumnhowe’s new home in New York is a standout feature in the premiere. Find out how the champion trotter could become a game changer to the Empire State’s racing and breeding fortunes.  Plus, up-and-coming driver Marcus Miller sits down with Horowitz to discuss his future in the sport and his love of social media, particularly Twitter.

Also, more than 10,000 people showed up at opening day at Tioga Downs. If you weren’t there in person to experience the festivities, you won’t want to miss videographer Jim Rotundo’s artistic story about the day.  He captured all of the most exciting moments for you to see.

If you live in an area that does not receive Time Warner Cable Sports Channel, you can watch the show anytime on our YouTube page. http://www.youtube.com/tiogadowns
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