Tioga Downs opens its 2013 racing season

Tioga Downs opened up for its eighth season of live racing on Saturday, May 4 in Nichols, New York.

As in years past, the harness racing fans of the Southern Tier showed their support as more than 15,000 attended "Derby Fest" at Tioga Downs.

Jimmy Marohn Jr. and Visible Gold got the year started off with a bang winning the third leg of the Hudson River Series in a new lifetime best of 1:49.3.

The pair left from post six in in 26.1, but were forced to release Long Live Rock (Jeff Dauplaise) who was parked on the outside.

Visible Gold wins Leg 3 of Hudson River Series

The field paced by the half in 54 as Domethatagain (Marcus Miller) headed the field towards three quarters. 

Down the backside, Visible Gold found room and angled off the pylons following Mr Dennis (Nick Surick) by three quarters in 1:21.1.

Around the final turn Marohn sent Visible Gold three wide and paced away from the field in the stretch for his ninth win in a row.

Tioga Downs' 2012 leading trainer, Ron Burke, trains the 5-year-old son of Bettor's Delight – Gabrielle for Burke Racing, Weaver Bruscemi, and RTC Stables all of Pennsylvania.

Domethatagain (Marcus Miller) hung tough for second, while Take It Back Terry, the other half of the Burke entry paced home late for third.

Spice It Up Lindy (Jim Meittinis) captured Saturday night's $16,000 open trot in 1:53.3, while Doc's Hope (Jim Meittinis) took home the $16,000 fillies and mares open pace in 1:52.

Jim Meittinis posted four driving victories on the night's 10-race card, while Jimmy Marohn Jr. had a triple.    

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