Tioga Downs Racing

Deadline looms for Dewey Scholarship

2013-05-21T10:08:00.001-04:00

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.

Western Trademark captures Sunday afternoon feature at Tioga Downs

2013-05-19T17:34:00.003-04:00

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

2013-05-19T11:52:00.003-04:00

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 19^th with a post time of 1:30pm, for more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com.

Little Santamonica takes Tioga Friday feature

2013-05-17T23:21:00.001-04:00

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 18^th 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

2013-05-17T13:27:00.001-04:00

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.

Money Twitch A in the Tioga Downs Sunday feature

2013-05-12T17:32:00.001-04:00

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 17^th 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

2013-05-12T07:14:00.000-04:00

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 12^th with a post time of 1:30pm, for more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com.

All Spirit takes home Tioga Friday night feature

2013-05-10T23:01:00.001-04:00

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 11^th 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

2013-05-10T08:55:00.003-04:00

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.

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

2013-05-08T10:01:00.005-04:00

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

###

Windsun Callum takes home Tioga Sunday feature

2013-05-06T06:43:00.001-04:00

Windsun Callum pulls off a 32-1 upset in Sunday's feature

Aaron Byron made the move this year to Tioga Downs for the summer, and on Sunday afternoon, Windsun Callum, began adapting to his new surroundings by winning the $16,000 Open pace.

The duo left from post position one in a field scratched down to eight starters with Sheer Brilliance (Corey Braden) setting the early tempo of 26.4 and 56.

Down the backside Byron placed Windsun Callum in the cover flow by three quarters in 1:23.2.

Around the final turn, Byron tipped Windsun Callum three wide and paced by the leaders to draw clear in the stretch and win in 1:52.2.

It was the fourth win of the year in 10 starts for the 9-year-old son of Cam's Card Shark – Star Magic who is trained by Jeff Byron for owner David Byron of Ontario.

The 10-year-old millionaire, Eagle Luck (Jim Marohn Jr.) closed late for second, while Sheer Brilliance (Corey Braden) hung tough for third.

Mike Simons posted a driving triple on the afternoon's 13-race card, while Jason Bartlett and Rick Dane Jr. each scored doubles.

Tioga Downs continues live racing on Friday, May 10^th with a post time of 6:50pm, and the race office would like to remind all horsemen that the draw for Friday, May 10^th will take place on Monday morning (May 6) with the box closing at 9:00am.

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

Tioga Downs opens its 2013 racing season

2013-05-05T11:23:00.000-04:00

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.

Tioga Downs set for 2013 racing season

2013-05-02T13:34:00.000-04:00

Tioga Downs is set to embark on its eighth season of live racing from Nichols, NY on Saturday, May 4^th (Kentucky Derby Day) with a post time of 5:00pm.

A 10-race card will highlight the day and kick off the 61-day race season that continues through Saturday, September 14.

The 2013 schedule is covered with marquee stakes events throughout the summer totaling nearly $2 million and will feature some of our sports most accomplished stars.

One of the most exciting dates on the calendar comes on June 9^th as Tioga will host the best older female and male pacers in the $200,000e Artiscape Pace and $200,000e Roll with Joe (Formerly known as the Bettor's Delight).

"The Roll with Joe and Artiscape always attract some of the sport's best to Tioga Downs and we look forward to hosting these events every year and putting on a good show for our fans," said VP of Racing and Simulcast, Jason Settlemoir.

Fans may also register each racing night for the 3^rd annual Million Dollar Ball Drop, another season-long promotion that could award one lucky winner with $1 million on Saturday, September 7.

Other special promotions for the 2013 racing season also include race date t-shirt and magnet giveaway (May 4), wall calendar giveaway (May 12), hat giveaway (May 27), Yannick Gingras colors replica t-shirt giveaway (June 9), Pilsner glass giveaway (June 16), harness racing coloring book (June 30), beanie horse toy giveaway (July 28), fleece pullover giveaway (August 11), and a Corey Callahan bobblehead giveaway (September 2).

On Monday, September 2^nd Tioga Downs will host the $400,000e Cane Pace for the best 3-year-old male pacers in North America, along with its counterpart, the $110,000e Shady Daisy for 3-year-old pacing fillies.

Also sharing the spotlight on the card will be the return of the $50,000 Drivers' Championship which makes its way back home to Tioga Downs.

A leg of the event will be held at Vernon Downs on Sunday, August 25^th, but the final round will be contested at Tioga Downs.

Post time for the special matinee program is set for 1:30pm.

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

TIOGA DOWNS AND VERNON DOWNS STAKES SEE INCREASES IN NOMINATIONS

2013-04-30T09:43:00.001-04:00

A Who's Who of Harness Racing's Elite Expected to Compete in 2013

Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs report increases in the number of horses made eligible to most of its stakes races after the April 15 sustaining payments.

Vernon's premier aged trotting stakes, the Credit Winner Open Trot and the Muscle Hill Aged Mare Trot, saw slight increases with 33 and 29 nominations respectively.

The Credit Winner eligibles are highlighted by defending champion Hot Shot Blue Chip plus a host of top four-year-olds including Hambletonian winner Market Share, Breeders' Crown winner Intimidate, and the Jimmy Takter-trained duo of Guccio and Little Brown Fox.

The Credit Winner and Muscle Hill will each be raced on September 6 at Vernon Downs.

Tioga's top aged pacing events, the Roll With Joe (formerly the Bettor's Delight) and the Artiscape saw numbers nearly equal to last year with 28 males in the Roll With Joe and 19 mares in the Artiscape.

The Roll With Joe features all of the aged pacing divisions superstars entering 2013 including Foiled Again, Golden Receiver and Bettor Sweet, plus an all-star cast of four-year-olds led by Sweet Lou, Heston Blue Chip, Bolt The Duer and Pet Rock.

The Roll With Joe and Artiscape kick off Tioga's open stakes season on Sunday, June 9.

"We're very pleased with the horsemen's continued support of our stakes program,” said Jason Bluhm, Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs Regional Director of Racing. "I think I speak for all of the fans when I say I'm really looking forward to seeing how the group of four-year-olds stacks up against the aged horses."

"The past two Horses of the Year, San Pail and Chapter Seven, have each raced in the Credit Winner and we're hoping to once again showcase the sport's premier trotters to our fans and horseplayers again,” said Scott Warren, Vernon Downs Director of Racing.

The Kindergarten Classic for two-year-old trotters saw a six percent increase in nominations with more than 340 colts and fillies paid into the event. The list of eligibles includes 39 freshmen from the much anticipated first crop of world champion Muscle Hill. The Kindergarten Classic begins August 2 at the Meadowlands with the $200,000e final on October 25 at Vernon Downs.

Tioga Downs Reminds Horsemen of 4 Day Box

2013-04-29T16:04:00.002-04:00

Tioga Downs would like to remind all horsemen that we have switched to a four-day box for the 2013 racing season.

Entries for opening day (Saturday, May 4) are due into the Tioga Downs race office (607.699.7688) by 9:00AM on Tuesday, April 30.

Tioga Downs' opening day will carry a special post time of 5:00PM.

We will race 3 races and then take a 1 hour break for the Kentucky Derby and resume racing at 7:00PM.

For more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com or call the Tioga Downs race office at 607.699.7688.

Tioga Downs Gears Up for 2013 Race Season

2013-04-24T14:58:00.003-04:00

Tioga Downs is set for opening day of its 2013 race season on Saturday, May 4 (Kentucky Derby Day) with a post time of 5:00 pm.

A few of the Tioga Downs opening day traditions will continue with a visit from the Buffalo Jills, Derby Day Hat Contest, race date t-shirt and magnet giveaways, horseplay car giveaway, and much more.

Tioga held its first qualifying races of the year this past Friday (April 19) with four qualifying events going to the gate.

Another set of qualifiers will be held on Friday, April 26 with entries due in to the Tioga Downs Race Office (607.699.7688) by 10:00AM on Thursday morning (April 25).

A final set of qualifiers will be held on "Press Night" on Tuesday, April 30^th with qualifiers beginning at 6:50PM.

Entries to the "Press Night" qualifiers are due into the race office by 10:00AM on Monday morning (April 29).

Tioga would like to remind all horsemen that we have switched to a four-day box for the 2013 racing season.

Entries for opening day (Saturday, May 4) are due into the Tioga Downs race office (607.699.7688) by 9:00AM on Tuesday, April 30.

For more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com or call the Tioga Downs race office at 607.699.7688.

Tioga Downs to hold first qualifiers of the year, switching to four day box

2013-04-16T10:11:00.005-04:00

Tioga Downs is gearing up for its eighth season of live racing action from Nichols, NY, and will prepare by holding qualifiers on April 19^th at 11:00 AM.

The season kicks off on Saturday, May 4 (Kentucky Derby Day) with a post time for live racing of 5:00 PM.

Tioga will host three of its live races before taking a break for the 139^th running of the Kentucky Derby from Churchill Downs, and will then continue with the remainder of its racing program immediately following.

Tioga Downs would like to remind all of its horsemen that we will be switching to a four day box this year.

The draw for Saturday, May 4 will take place on Tuesday, April 30^th with entries due in to the Tioga Downs race office by 9:00 AM.

Qualifiers at Tioga Downs will also be offered on Friday, April 26 at11:00 AM, and on Tuesday, April 30 at 6:50 PM for its annual "Press Night" with all of the local media.

For more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com or call the Tioga Downs race office at 607.699.7688.

Reminder: Sustaining Payments for Tioga and Vernon Stakes Races Due April 15

2013-04-11T12:43:00.004-04:00

The sustaining payments for the 2013 Kindergarten Trotting Classic, Artiscape, Credit Winner, Miss Versatility, Muscle Hill and Roll With Joe (formerly known as the Bettor's Delight) are due by April 15. Visit the Tioga Downs website or call 607-699-7688 for further information.

TIOGA DOWNS A TITLE SPONSOR OF 2013 HANA HARNESS GRAND CIRCUIT HANDICAPPING CHALLENGE

2013-03-29T10:56:00.003-04:00

The Horseplayers Association of North America's (HANA) harness racing division in association with the Hambletonian Society, Chicago Harness (Balmoral and Maywood Parks), The Meadowlands, Tioga Downs, and Vernon Downs is pleased to announce "The 2013 Grand Circuit Handicapping Challenge."

The format of this year's competition is a change from past Pen vs. Chip competitions as it doesn't matter which type of handicapping method a handicapper uses as long as it is their own.

In addition, instead of handicapping complete race cards, the contest focuses only on Grand Circuit races.

Using the Grand Circuit schedule, excluding most elimination races, handicappers will be given $30 to wager as they will on race finals or in the case of races being contested in divisions, on one or more of the divisions. Each gambler must invest the full $30 or they will be penalized.

The handicapper with the highest net profit after the last Grand Circuit race of the year will be the champion.

The contest begins and concludes at Northfield Park; beginning on April 26 with the Courageous Lady and concluding on December 14 with the Cleveland Classic and includes 74 contest dates and 230 individual races.

Rules and the Schedule of Races may be found at the contest website.

Another difference this year is the prize money, donations to standardbred rescues will not be winner takes-all. The sponsorship funds will be donated to standardbred rescues designated by our top three handicappers in a 50-35-15% breakdown, thus allowing more rescues to benefit.

While additional sponsorship money may be forthcoming, $2,500 has already been pledged by our sponsors.

"HANA Harness is pleased to be presenting 2013 Grand Circuit Handicapping Challenge this year," said HANA President Jeff Platt. "We've decided to focus on the Grand Circuit races in an effort to support the revival of the Grand Circuit which features quality racing. I would also like to thank all our sponsors for providing sponsorship money which will help support standardbred rescues that are doing great work on behalf of our retired equine athletes."

"We are pleased and excited that HANA has chosen to feature the retooled Grand Circuit as their contest races," stated John Campbell, Grand Circuit President. "Hopefully the fans will enjoy following along with the races and the contest. We also want to thank the sponsors who allow this contest to support standardbred rescue."

HANA would like to invite all harness horseplayers to the contest blog, which will analyze and discuss the upcoming races from a handicapping perspective. The blog will also offer handicapping information and selections from our handicappers, all successful horseplayers and when available, links to free past performances or handicapping information.

HANA Harness is the Harness Racing Division of the Horseplayers Association of North America (HANA). HANA, established in 2008 has grown to over 2500 members. To join HANA Harness please visit this link: http://www.horseplayersassociation.org/ and sign up. It’s free!

Reminder: March 15 Stakes Payments

2013-03-11T14:05:00.003-04:00

Tioga & Vernon Downs 2013 marquee stakes require a March 15 nomination payment.

These include the Artiscape, Credit Winner, Muscle Hill and Roll With Joe (formerly Bettor's Delight) for older horses, the Empire Breeders' Classic for 3-year-olds and the Kindergarten Trotting Classic for 2-year-olds.

Please follow this link to download the necessary form.

Brice Cote to Head Integrity Efforts at Gural Tracks

2013-02-05T10:56:00.000-05:00

Brice Cote has been designated to lead the effort to detect and deter the use of Performance Enhancing Drugs (PEDs) and any other unscrupulous practices that affect the racing product at The Meadowlands, Tioga & Vernon Downs.

Mr. Cote has an impressive background in this arena, having previously served as a detective in the Racetrack Unit for the New Jersey State Police for 10 years.

"I was raised around horses and they continue to be a large part of my life," said Cote. "When I learned of Jeff Gural's intention to address PEDs in racing, I knew that I wanted to be involved."

"We will follow the facts in our efforts to protect the integrity of racing. The goal is to provide the customer a legitimate, dependable product upon which to wager and the horsemen a fair chance to compete within the rules."

New Meadowlands Chairman Jeff Gural had this comment, "I am committed to having a level playing field at all three of my racetracks. I want the good guys racing at my tracks so that our customers can handicap the races without having to guess who is using what. I think one of the reasons that our handle has increased this year is the fact that we make a major effort to keep the bad guys out."

"I think Brice is a perfect person for the job and I hope anyone racing at the Meadowlands appreciates our commitment to integrity and the fact that we are willing to spend our own money to try to help the regulators catch the bad guys."

New Name for Tioga Downs' Top Pacing Race

2013-01-17T11:53:00.002-05:00

Tioga Downs' top race for pacing horses has a new title.

With Bettor's Delight being relocated to Pennsylvania, race sponsor Blue Chip Farms has requested that the race now recognize his younger full brother Roll With Joe.

Along with his impeccable bloodlines, Roll With Joe enjoyed an accomplished career on the racetrack.

A stakes winner at two, the colt blossomed at age three, listing the MeadowlandsPace, Messenger Stakes and Battle Of Brandywine among his victories.

He retired with over $1.8 million earned and a record of 1:48.2.

He stands his second season at Blue Chip in 2013 and his foals are New York eligible.

Visit the Tioga Downs website for further information on stakes and live racing.

Roll With Joe at Blue Chip Farm

Tioga Downs looking for summer intern to work on TV show

2013-01-15T15:34:00.001-05:00

INTERNSHIP

COMMUNICATIONS / BROADCAST JOURNALISM

We have a credit only Internship available for the Summer of 2013.

Internship will start in April / May of 2013 and end in September.

An excellent, exciting opportunity! A chance to broaden your skills and

gain tactical knowledge to enhance your degree.

¨ Assist with weekly television show production

¨ Editing and interviewing

¨ Writing stories and features

¨ Work alongside two award-winning TV industry veterans

¨ Regular on-air segments

Tioga Downs opened June 9, 2006 with a 5/8 mile harness racetrack including a Grand stand, 750 Video Gaming Machines, and Simulcast betting from other tracks to make Tioga Downs Gaming, Racing, and Entertainment a major Southern Tier entertainment destination. In addition, Tioga Downs has The County Fair Buffet, Coasters Sports Bar and Carousel Bar.

Please contact Suzanne Firmstone, HR Recruiter sfirmstone@tiogadowns.com

607-699-7689

American Racing and Entertainment donates more than $700,000 to charities in 2012

2012-12-18T11:46:00.001-05:00

American Racing and Entertainment, which runs Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs in Upstate New York, proudly announced today that total contributions to charities in 2012 reached in excess of $700,000.

A few of the highlights for charitable donations in 2012 included concerts at both properties where all ticket proceeds benefited local veterans groups around the area. Tioga Downs was able to raise more than $39,000 for Veterans in the local area from the Oak Ridge Boys concert proceeds, while Vernon Downs raised more than $36,000 from their America Concert.

Tioga Downs, Vernon Downs, and Jeff Gural, Chairman of American Racing and Entertainment, together donated $200,000 to aid in the Hurricane Sandy relief effort in New York and New Jersey.

Jeff Gural, Chairman of American Racing and Entertainment, also donated 2,300 tickets to the Bruce Springsteen concert held at Vernon Downs in August to the USO. The tickets, which were valued at over $200,000 were distributed to soldiers at Fort Drum in the New York National Guard and Coast Guard. The donation was the largest, personal one time donation to the USO in the last 15 years.

"Giving back to the surrounding communities is one of our main focuses for Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs. We host benefit concerts every year to support our veterans, which I believe are often unappreciated for their efforts to all of us Americans. I am also proud of our customers, employees, and our company for being able to help raise $100,000 per property to aid in the Hurricane Sandy relief effort and help those families impacted by the destruction," said Jeff Gural, Chairman of American Racing and Entertainment.

Tioga Downs and its employees make donation to United Way

2012-12-12T11:24:00.000-05:00

Tioga Downs is pleased to announce that it has recently made a $20,244 donation to the United Way to assist area organizations this holiday season.

The amount includes donations from Tioga Downs employees that were matched dollar-for-dollar by the company and a personal $5,000 contribution from Chairman Jeffrey Gural.

"I'm so proud of the employees of this company for opening up their hearts and their wallets this holiday season to help such a worthy organization," said Tioga Downs campaign spokesman Jason Hall. "Being a positive member of the community is a founding principle of this company and this donation is one way that we can give back."