Local business supports 'Hope for Haiti' event

The "Hope for Haiti" fundraising event has gotten a big boost.

Margie Ross, the director of the Sayre Theatre, reported on Monday that a pledge of $5,000 from Tioga Downs Casino was received for the event. Tioga Downs will present it on Wednesday.

"I think it's just fantastic that they would join us and donate that much money to the event, and that's great," she said.

"That they would bring Tioga County into this by doing this, it's just a wonderful way for people to come together for a great cause."

Read the entire article (thedailyreview.com)

Tioga and Vernon announce 2010 stakes schedule

Nichols, NY --Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs are proud to announce their 2010 stakes schedule which will offer more than $4.2 million in purse money.

The schedule includes several major changes including the addition of the Bettor's Delight Pace for older pacers with an estimated purse of $200,000, plus we have increased the purse of the three other events for older horses as well to an estimated $200,000.

We have also added the Simpson Stakes, formerly held at the Red Mile, with the 3-year-olds in mid-May as a prep for some of the major stakes, and the 2-year-olds in mid-October as a prep for the Lexington races a week later.

One of the other changes is that the New York State Fair races will be held in one weekend with the 2-year-olds racing at Vernon for the first time, and the 3-year-olds at Tioga.

Lastly, we have changed the Kindergarten Series to only include 2-year-old trotters, reduced the number of legs to four, and increased the purse for the final to an estimated $125,000.

Kicking off the 2010 stakes season will be the John F. Simpson Memorial Stakes for 2- and 3-year-old pacers and trotters. The Simpson stakes, originally named the Hanover-Hempt stakes, were renamed in 1993 to honor Hall of Fame horseman John F. Simpson Sr. Each division of the Simpson Stakes is named after a famous stallion bred by Hanover Shoe Farms. The Simpson Stakes will return to Vernon Downs, where the race held its longest tenure from 1974-1996, on Saturday, May 15, with divisions of the 3-year-old trotters. The 3-year- old pacers will race at Tioga Downs on Sunday, May 16. The 2-year-olds will race later in the year at Vernon Downs on October 7 and 8.

Following the Simpson stakes will be the third edition of the Empire Breeders Classic, a race for New York bred 3-year-old pacers and trotters. The $250,000 (est.) finals for the pacers will be held at Tioga Downs on Sunday, May 30, and will be followed at Vernon Downs on Memorial Day, Monday, May 31, with the $250,000 (est.) finals for the trotters. The EBC shows off the best New York has to offer a week before the 3-year-old New York Sire Stakes schedule starts.

Up next is the fifth edition of the $200,000 (est.) Artiscape open mare pace at Tioga Downs. The Artiscape is set to go on Sunday, June 6. Tug River Princess won last year’s edition in 1:52.1, where the entire field was only separated by three lengths.

The following week at Tioga Downs is the second new edition to the 2010 stakes schedule. The $200,000 (est.) Bettor's Delight, “Bred in New York to Take on the World” open pace will go forward on Sunday, June 13. The addition of an open pace completes the set of four races Tioga and Vernon offer to older horses of each sex and gait to help keep our stars of racing around past their 3-year-old seasons. 

The dates of July 15, 16, and 18 mark the return of the Grand Circuit to Tioga Downs with the Tompkins-Geers stakes. An estimated $500,000 will be up for grabs for the sport's top 2- and 3-year-old pacers and trotters in its fourth year at Tioga.

Next up is the Kindergarten Trotting Classic for 2-year-olds. The Classic will offer four guaranteed $10,000 legs, the first of which will be held at the Meadowlands on July 21 and 22. The three remaining legs will be held at Vernon Downs and will take place on Friday, August 20, Friday, September 10 and Friday, September 17. The $125,000 (est.) final for each sex is scheduled for Friday, September 24 at Vernon Downs.

Friday, July 30, will round out the month with the first leg of the Miss Versatility at the mile sized Meadowlands. The Miss Versatility showcases the “versatility” of the sport's top open mare trotters as they will have to race over four different sized surfaces in order to claim the title of Miss Versatility. The second leg is held at five-eighth-mile sized Tioga Downs on Sunday, August 22, followed by the third leg at seven-eighth-mile sized Vernon Downs on Thursday, September 2. The $150,000 (est.) final is raced over the famous half- mile oval at the Delaware County Fairgrounds on the same day as the Little Brown Jug.

Kicking off the stakes schedule in August will be the fourth annual Drivers' Challenge held at Tioga Downs on Sunday, August 1. The Challenge puts the top seven money winning drivers, the top driver at Tioga Downs, and a sponsor’s exemption in seven-nine overnight races to see who comes out on top as the Tioga Downs Drivers’ Challenge champion. Jason Bartlett took home the 2009 edition, holding off Ron Pierce in the five-eighths-mile dash for the cash to take home the $25,000 grand prize. Yannick Gingras and Brian Sears co-owned the title in 2007, with Yannick Gingras taking home the title outright in 2008.

The New York State Fair comes to town next, kicking off at Vernon Downs on Thursday, August 12, and Friday, August 13, with the 2-year-old pacers and trotters. The 3-year-old pacers and trotters follow on Saturday, August 14, and Sunday, August 15, at Tioga Downs.

Rounding out the August schedule is the 36th edition of the $300,000 (est.) Dr. Harry M. Zweig Memorial Trot for 3-year-old colt and filly trotters. The race is set to go forward on Sunday, August 29, at Tioga Downs, the first time it has been held in late August. This will mark the fifth year of the Zweig at Tioga.

Friday, September 10, will mark the day for the $200,000 (est.) Conway Hall open mare trot. Defending champion Buck I St Pat will more than likely be back to defend her crown against a stout class of top mares in the 2010 edition at Vernon Downs.

The following week, Friday, September 17, at Vernon Downs marks the fourth edition of the $200,000 (est.) Credit Winner open trot. Arch Madness captured last year’s trophy with a quick 1:52.4 score with Brian Sears in the sulky.

Vernon Downs -- “The Place Where Trotters Come to Race” -- will open up its 90 day meet on Friday, April 16, at 6:55 p.m. Vernon races Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays throughout the meet at 6:55 p.m. with special 1:15 p.m. cards on Monday, July 5, and Monday, September 6.

Tioga Downs kicks off its meet on Kentucky Derby Day, Saturday, May 1, at 6:50 p.m. Tioga races Fridays and Saturdays at 6:50 p.m. and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. Tioga also has six special cards scheduled during the meet. Tioga will go with a special 6:30 p.m. post on Sunday, May 30, as well as Sunday, July 4. Two Monday and two Wednesday cards are also scheduled during the 2010 season with 1:30 p.m. posts.

For more information, visit www.tiogadowns.com and www.vernondowns.com. You may also call the Tioga race office at (607) 699-7688.

Tioga Downs introduces Bettor's Delight Open Pace

Nichols, NY --Tioga Downs is proud to announce the addition of the $200,000 (est.) Bettor's Delight "Bred in New York to Take on the World" Open Pace to its 2010 stakes schedule. Fans will be given the opportunity to see some of the best free for all pacers in the world race at Tioga on Sunday, June 13.

Tioga Downs would like to thank Blue Chip Farms for their sponsorship of the Bettor's Delight "Bred in New York to Take on the World" Open Pace.

Bettor's Delight won 15 of his 26 career outings and missed the board only four times on his way to making over $2.5 million with a career mark of 1:49.4.

Bettor's Delight stands at Blue Chip Farms in Wallkill, New York for a stud fee of $12,000. His offspring have earned more then $44 million, with the top earners being pacing mare Darlin’s Delight, the hard knocking Southwind Tempo, and one of New York’s finest, Kenneth J.

"We have nothing but respect for the partnership and Jeff Gural for giving New York racing the opportunity to race on bigger tracks in New York," said Blue Chip Farms' Mike Kimelman. "We are excited about being involved in creating another great racing opportunity for aged horses close to home."

With the addition of the Open Pace event, Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs now have opportunities for each gait and sex at the older level -- all for estimated purses of $200,000. The Credit Winner, an open event for aged trotters; The Conway Hall, an open event for female trotters; and The Artiscape, an open event for female pacers, will all be contested once again in 2010.

With the demise of The Classic Series, Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs felt it necessary to add money to all of these events to give the older horses another opportunity during the race season to compete for good money.

"We are excited to add the Bettor's Delight Open Pace to the stakes calendar for 2010, as it gives the older horses another opportunity to showcase what harness racing is all about," said Jeff Gural, owner and chairman of Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs. "Racing needs these horses to stay on the track and compete against each other to provide rivalries and excitement for fans to follow during the season."

Information, including payment schedules, race conditions and entry nominations can be found online at www.tiogadowns.com or www.vernondowns.com.

President and General Manager appointed at Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs Casinos

Nichols, NY -- Jeff Gural, CEO of American Racing and Entertainment, LLC today announced the appointment of Thomas Osiecki as President and General Manager of Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs Casinos.

"We are pleased to announce a continuation of the successful management program for Tioga and Vernon Downs with the appointment of Tom Osiecki as President," said Gural. "Tom Osiecki has been a key part of the operation of our two properties over the past two years as Assistant General Manager for Tioga Downs and Vice President of Marketing for Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs. During that time Tioga Downs has experienced positive growth," Gural said.

Tom Osiecki

In August of 2009 Tioga Downs was selected by the New York Lottery to participate in a pilot program to test the effects of subsidized free play. "As a result of the test program, Tioga Downs has experienced growth in both rated play and attendance," Gural stated.

"This past year Vernon Downs has held it's own despite economic factors and increased competition from Turning Stone," Gural said.

Gural announced that he will be taking a more active role in the management of the properties. "We are pleased with the progress at both facilities in the past few years and I look forward to more frequent involvement with the properties as we plan for future growth," Gural stated.

Tom Osiecki brings over sixteen years of experience in the gaming industry to American Racing and Entertainment. He most recently was the Vice President of Marketing at Island View Casino Resort, in Gulfport, Mississippi from 2006-2007. Before that he was the Senior Director of Property Marketing at Isle of Capri Casino’s, Inc. corporate office in Biloxi, Mississippi from 2000-2006.

While at Isle of Capri Casino's, Inc. for over thirteen years he was promoted to the corporate office where his role for six years was split between the management of property level marketing strategies and tactics for up to 16 properties. He also oversaw the brand marketing group for a company with annual revenues exceeding one billion dollars. Osiecki also served as Senior Director of Marketing for the Isle of Capri’s Bossier City, LA casino and Vicksburg, MS casino from 1993 until 2000.

Osiecki brings over 35 years experience in entertainment management having served as general management and influential marketing positions for the Isle of Capri Casino's, Inc., Six Flags Theme Parks, Playboy Casino and Hotel, Atlantic City, NJ and The Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pa.

Tioga Downs Casino, Nichols, New York and Vernon Downs Casino, Vernon, New York. You must be 18 years old to play video gaming machines, please play responsibly. For more information please contact us online at www.tiogadowns.com (1-888-WIN-TIOGA) or www.vernondowns.com (1-877-88-VERNON).

John Simpson Stakes move to Tioga and Vernon

Nichols, NY -- Tioga and Vernon Downs are proud to announce the addition of the John Simpson Memorial Stakes to their 2010 stakes schedule.

The Simpson Stakes, named for legendary trainer John Simpson, Sr., are filled with rich harness racing tradition.

"I'm happy to see the races held at Tioga and Vernon, especially Vernon," said James Simpson, President & CEO of Hanover Shoe Farms, the current owner of the Simpson Stakes. "My father (John Simpson) based his Grand Circuit stable at Vernon for many years and we've always held a soft spot in our heart for Vernon. I am also impressed by the way Tioga and Vernon market the racing product as well; they will be a great place to continue on the Simpson tradition."

"It's an honor to have the historic Simpson races at Tioga and Vernon. We will continue to honor the Simpson legacy at both our tracks by playing host to these tradition filled races," said Jason Settlemoir, VP of Racing & Simulcast for Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs.

The Simpson Stakes, for 2- and 3-year-old pacers and trotters, will be split up among the two tracks. The 3-year-old trotters will race at Vernon Downs on Saturday, May 22, followed by the 3-year-old pacers a day later, Sunday, May 23, at Tioga Downs. All 2-year-olds will race at Vernon Downs on Thursday, October 7, and Friday, October 8.

Vernon Downs' 90-day meet kicks off on Friday, April 16, at 6:55 p.m. Tioga Downs will open its 57-day meet on Saturday, May 1, at 6:50 p.m. (both pending regulatory approval).

For more information on the Simpson Stakes, including entry forms and lists of eligibles, please visit the Hambletonian Society Web site at www.hambletonian.org. For information on Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs, please visit www.tiogadowns.com and www.vernondowns.com.

Food Drive at Tioga Downs a Big Success!

Tioga Downs Casino wrapped up their "Food Drive for Free Play" on November 30th and collected 4,738 pounds of canned goods to donate to the Southern Tier Food Bank. (Patrons were asked to bring in two canned good items to the "Your Club" player's club and they would receive $5 in free play.)

Tioga Downs Casino and the Southern Tier Harness Horsemen's Association also donated $10,000 to the Southern Tier Food Bank, which enabled them to purchase nearly 1,000 turkeys to help out families in need during the Thanksgiving holiday season.

Tioga Downs Casino "More free play, a short drive away".

You must be 18 years old to play video gaming machines, please play responsibly.

For more information please contact us at 888-WIN-TIOGA or online at www.tiogadowns.com.

Tioga Downs Casino Wrapping Up its 2009 Nissan Altima Giveaway on Saturday

Tioga Downs Casino will wrap up its 2009 Nissan Altima giveaway on Saturday, November 28th at 10:00 pm.

Patrons of Tioga Downs Casino have been earning entries into the drawing since November 1st. Every 5 points earned is good for one entry into the drawing, and entries can also be purchased at the Player’s Club with 100 points good for 25 entries. Entries must be activated on the date of the drawing by inserting your player’s club card into any video gaming machine by 9:15pm. The winner will be drawn at 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 28th, and must be present to win.

For more information on the 2009 Nissan Altima giveaway please visit the player’s club.

Tioga Downs Casino “More free play, a short drive away”. You must be 18 years old to play video gaming machines, please play responsibly.

For more information please contact us at 888-WIN-TIOGA or online at www.tiogadowns.com.

Tioga and Vernon 2009: A look back

Nichols, NY -- Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs each showed increases -- as well as decreases -- in handle for 2009. Tioga was down 6.8 percent in live handle compared to 2008, with export being up 1.3 percent over last year’s numbers. Vernon showed live handle up 1.6 percent over 2008, and export being down 4.0 percent compared to last year. Currently, the import numbers at both properties are tracking to be well up from 2008’s numbers.

"The numbers at Tioga and Vernon for the 2009 race meets were very pleasing given the current economic status around the country," Jason Settlemoir, vice president of racing and simulcast at both tracks. “We saw a few ups and downs from 2008, but were very happy with the entire race season of 2009. We have to thank our fans and employees at both properties who supported racing by coming to the track and our employees for the great customer service, which made those fans want to return to the track.

Tioga Downs Photo

Hypnotic Blue Chip won the fastest mile at the Tioga meet -- in 1:50.3

Fans at Tioga Downs got to see some world champions stomp through their backyard during the 2009 race meet, including One More Laugh, Buck I St Pat and some of the top Free For All pacing mares in the country. Tioga saw a dozen of its track records fall by the wayside during its fourth live season, including the all-age track record for trotters, when Buck I St Pat won a leg of the Miss Versatility, in 1:53.1. The fastest track record mile set in 2009 belonged to Hypnotic Blue Chip, who won the Empire Breeder’s Classic Final in May, in 1:50.3, for Tim Tetrick.

Jason Bartlett captured the third annual Drivers' Championship by winning two divisions of the seven-race Championship. Bartlett got points in six out of the seven divisions, and established a new track record for older geldings with a 1:50.3 score in the Open pace with Cinderella Guy. Total prize money for the 2009 Drivers' Championship was $45,000, with Bartlett taking home $25,000.

Another highlight of 2009 happened on Saturday, July 18, when driver Jim Morrill, Jr. captured eight wins in eight starts on the card. The feat tied the North American record for consecutive wins, one raceway program, held by Stephane Bouchard and Brad Kramer.

Tioga Down's signature event, The Zweig Memorial, was captured by Judge Joe (D.R. Ackerman) and Copy Catch (John Campbell), after the $303,340 was split into two divisions for 3-year-old colt and gelding trotters. While Celebrity Athern (Marcus Johannson), Brandnewgirlfriend (Wally Hennessey) and Celebrity Juliet (Mike Lachance) each captured a division of the $136,341 Zweig Trot for 3-year-old trotting fillies.

Jimmy Marohn, Jr. captured the 2009 driving title with 72 wins, while Phil Fluet and Michael Deters were Co-Trainers of the Year, with 31 victories. Lucy Lucy, who was campaigned by the Michael Deters Stable for Jay Sears, captured Pacer of the Year, while Righteous from the Paul Bernardo Stable was named Trotter of the Year.

Records also fall at Vernon

Seven track records were rewritten and one tied during the 56th harness racing season at Vernon Downs, that extended from Apr. 17 through Nov. 7, for a total of 90 programs.

Three of the new standards were authored on Vernon’s $1.4 million New York Sires Stakes “Night of Champions” program on Sept. 26. Hula’s Z Tam turned in a 1:52.3 record for 2-year-old pacing fillies; Munis Blue Chip cranked out a 1:57.3 mark for 2-year-old filly trotters and Blacktuswhitesocks produced a new 1:56.2 yardstick for 2-year-old colt trotters.

In the $139,500 Conway Hall mare trot on Labor Day afternoon, the distinguished Buck I St Pat fashioned a 1:54.3 victory that stands as a local milestone for older trotting mares. Driver Tim Tetrick collected six wins during the day, which was high for the meet, and one shy of the track’s single-program standard.

After Waltrip Hanover had equaled the local 1:51.3 model for 4-year-old pacing horses on June 27, Riggins dropped the standard for that category to 1:50.2 on Aug. 1. That sizzling score was just three-fifths of a second off the fastest mile in the track’s history, recorded by My Little Dragon, 1:49.4, in 2008, and held up as the quickest of 945 2:00 clockings.

Golden Receiver roared to a 1:51.1 triumph on Sept. 19, that tied the Downs ideal for 4-year-old pacing geldings, set by On The Way Again in 2002.

Jimmy Whittemore, the meet’s dashwinning leader with 122 victories, steered Red Brandy to a 2:47.2 Vernon standard for trotters competing at the 1-3/8 mile distance, on June 25.

In the $187,000 Credit Winner open trot on Sept. 18, sponsored by Blue Chip Farms, Arch Madness powered to a 1:52.4 score for driver Trond Smedshammer that became the fastest mile by a diagonally gaited performer at the meet. His time was just three-fifths of a second off the track's all-time record for older trotting geldings, set by Vivid Photo in 2007.

That same evening, Autumn Escapade reeled-off a 1:55.1 victory in Vernon’s $25,000 leg of the Miss Versatility open mare trot with David Miller driving for trainer Jonas Czernyson.

During the Memorial Day matinee card, on May 25, Russell Hill hustled to a 1:57.1 triumph in the $206,275 Empire Breeders Classic Final for sophomore male trotters, while Honorable Daughter secured a 1:57 score in the event’s $212,875 counterpart for 3-year-old fillies. Jim Morrill, Jr. steered both first place finishers.

Other meet highlights included Four Starz Speed's 1:55.1 win in the $60,000 James Crawford Memorial Trot on Sept. 25 and a 1:50.3 victory by Riggins in the $60,000 Bruce Hamilton Memorial Pace the same evening, plus Kindergarten Classic Series 2-year-old final tallies by Dancinwiththestarz ($105,250 filly pace), One More Laugh ($84,250 male pace), Full Tank ($82,750 filly trot) and Coco Lindy ($87,250 male trot) on Oct. 31.

Vernon Downs will begin live racing in 2010 on Friday, April 16, with Tioga getting underway on Saturday, May 1 -- both pending regulatory approval.

Turkey donation to the Food Bank of the Southern Tier Courtesy of Tioga Downs Casino and the Southern Tier Harness Horsemen’s Association.

Tioga Downs Casino and the Southern Tier Harness Horsemen’s Association are teaming up to help out families in need during the Holiday season through the Food Bank of the Southern Tier. To ensure that families in need enjoy a plentiful meal this Thanksgiving, Tioga Downs and the STHHA will donate up to 2,000 turkeys to families, who may otherwise go without. The Southern Tier Food Bank represents six counties in the local area that includes Broome, Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben, Tompkins, and Tioga. “We are extremely grateful to Tioga Downs for their incredible generosity,” said Natasha Thompson- Food Bank of the Southern Tier’s President & CEO. “Their contribution will allow us to provide turkeys to many of our food pantries across the Southern Tier that have struggled to meet increased demand for services over the holidays. This will truly be a blessing to thousands of families in need,” added Thompson.

Jeff Gural, Chairman of Tioga Downs Casino also commented on Tioga Downs community involvement. “On behalf of everyone at Tioga Downs we recognize that it’s been a difficult year with the tough economic times, and we want to make sure that as many families as possible get to enjoy a turkey and Thanksgiving with their families” said Gural.

Tioga Downs Casino is also helping local families with a food drive every Monday in November when patrons can bring in two canned food items and receive $5.00 in free play. Patrons must be a member of the “Your Club” Player’s Club and may only redeem one per person per Monday with canned good donation.

The “Great Turkey Giveaway” is a promotion in November at Tioga Downs Casino on Friday, November 20th, Saturday, November 21st, and Sunday, November 22nd. The first 350 patrons to earn 300 player’s club points on Friday, November 20th and the first 325 on Saturday and Sunday need to go to the Player’s Club, and will receive their $20 Turkey Card redeemable at Wal-Mart. The Great Turkey Giveaway will give Tioga Downs Casino patrons $20,000 in Turkey Gift Cards right in time for the Thanksgiving Holiday.

To learn more about the Food Bank of the Southern Tier and how you can make a difference this holiday season, visit the Food Bank’s website at www.foodbankst.org or call 607-796-6061.

Tioga Downs Casino “More free play, a short drive away”. You must be at least 18 year of age to play video gaming machines, please play responsibly. For more information please contact us at 888-WIN-TIOGA or online at www.tiogadowns.com.

Post Time Change at Vernon Downs

Vernon Downs will be moving post time for this week's races on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday to 1:15 pm post time pending regulatory approval. The change in post time is due to the transformers that caught fire on Saturday, September 26th. Management is working on fixing the transformers, but don't know the exact amount of time necessary for repair, therefore the change in post was necessary. Qualifiers at Vernon Downs on Friday, October 1st will be held at 10:00 am instead of 11:00 am and entries should still be called into the Vernon Downs Race Office on Thursday at 315.829.6816. For more information please visit our website at www.vernondowns.com.

It's Your Chance to Win a 2009 Chevy Silverado at Tioga Downs Casino!

Join us at Tioga Downs Casino all month long in September for a chance to win a 2009 Chevy Silverado on Saturday, September 26th at 12:00 a.m., and a 2009 Polaris Sportsman 300 4 wheeler each Saturday during the month of September.

Guests earn entries all month long in September, must activate their card on Saturday, September 26th to be in the final drawing, and must be present to win. The drawing will take place at 12:00 a.m. in conjunction with the drawing for the 2009 Polaris Sportsman 300.

The first name drawn and present will win the 2009 Polaris Sportsman 300, with the second name drawn and present taking home the grand prize and driving off in a 2009 Chevy Silverado. Leading up to the grand prize giveaway on Saturday, September 26th, Tioga Downs Casino will be giving away a 2009 Polaris Sportsman 300 every Saturday at midnight.

Guests must activate their "Your Club" player's card the day of the drawing and must be present to win.

Tioga Downs Casino, "More free play, a short drive away". You must be 18 years old to play video gaming machines, please play responsibly. For more information please contact us at 888-WIN-TIOGA or online at www.tiogadowns.com.

Vernon to have $10,000 guaranteed Pick 8 pool on NYSS Night of Champions

Vernon, NY -- Vernon Downs will have a $10,000 guaranteed Pick 8 pool for the New York Sire Stakes Finals on the $1.4 million New York Sire Stakes Night of Champions on Saturday, Sept. 26.

The Pick 8 will be offered as $.10 wheels with a $1.00 minimum bet total.

The track will also offer $.10 superfectas on each NYSS race that night, as the finals will all be contested as nine-horse fields.

Vernon Downs will be hosting a press party for the New York Sire Stakes Night of Champions draw on Wednesday, Sept. 23, in the Gold Cup Room at the racetrack. The press party will begin at 11 a.m.

For more information visit www.vernondowns.com.

He's Gorgeous continues to roll in NYSS

Nichols, NY -- He’s Gorgeous continued his reign of terror in the New York Sire Stakes on Friday night (Sept. 11) at Tioga Downs for 2-year-old colt and gelding pacers.

Over a track rated "sloppy," and after a 10-minute rain delay, Jason Bartlett sent the 2-year old son of Art Major-So Ravishing to the front past the quarter pole in 28.3. The duo slowed things down through a middle half in 1:00.3, with the second choice Jo Pa’s Fod (Jim Morrill Jr.) sitting on their back. Bartlett asked He’s Gorgeous to pace through the final panel and the colt responded posting a last quarter in 27.4, to trip the tele-timer in 1:57.

It was the seventh win in nine seasonal starts for He’s Gorgeous, who increased his earnings to more than $133,000. Linda Toscano trains He’s Gorgeous for Ken Jacobs of Baldwinsville, N.Y., who purchased the colt for $97,000. Jim Morrill Jr. and Jo Pa’s Fod finished second, while Shinedupnreadytogo (Matt Kakaley) finished third.

Bettor Again won the fastest NYSS split in 1:55.

Bettor Again posted the fastest mile of the night for 2-year-old colt and gelding pacers with Jim Morrill Jr. in the bike. Morrill was sitting fourth on the rail as the field passed the quarter pole in 28.1. Morrill then pulled to the outside and sent Bettor Again to the front and right down the front end through fractions of 57.3 and 1:26.1 before sprinting away from the field in 28.4.

The mile of 1:55 was just a fifth of a second off the lifetime mark for Bettor Again that was set at Tioga Downs on Aug. 16. The 2-year-old son of Bettor’s Delight-Jated Love is trained by Noel Daley for Patricia Stable of Massapequa, N.Y. It was the third win in six seasonal starts for Bettor Again who increased his bankroll to more than $100,000 with the victory.

Bluff Point set a new lifetime mark with her 1:55.3 win.

Grabbing the victory in the third division for freshman pacing colts was Bluff Point (Jim Morrill Jr.), who inherited the lead as favored Flexjet (Dan Cappello Jr.) made a costly break around the final turn. The mile of 1:55.3 was a new lifetime mark for the 2-year-old son of Pro Bono Best-Hannah Road, who is trained by Ron Burke for the partnership of Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi, and the JJK stable.

Capturing the two $90,469 divisions for freshman pacing fillies were Hula’s Z Tam (Mike Lachance) in 1:57, and Lady Major (Jason Bartlett) in 1:55.4 after being placed the winner. Jim Morrill Jr. and Max’s Leading Lady finished first, but were placed second do to interference in the stretch with Bartlett and Lady Major.

Tioga Downs continues live racing action on Saturday, Sept. 12, at 6:50 p.m. and features the $127,000 Artiscape Pace that includes world champions Hana Hanover (George Brennan) and Southwind Tempo (Tim Tetrick), along with double millionaire Darlin’s Delight (Yannick Gingras).

Empire State-bred fillies to race at Tioga Downs

Freshman pacing fillies will have the spotlight at Tioga Downs on Sunday afternoon, as three divisions of New York-bred late-closers will go postward.

Leading the way in the first division will be It’s Only Roni, who will look for some class relief coming off a fifth place finish in New York Sire Stakes competition at Monticello Raceway. The 2-year-old daughter of Noble Ability--Theoneandonlyvroni is owned by breeder Francis Feely and trained by Joseph Robbins, Jr. The filly has posted four wins in eight starts this year and has earned more than $14,000. The connections of It’s Only Roni have given Jimmy Marohn, Jr. the driving assignment.

Seven maiden fillies will make up the field in the second division, going for $12,700. Paper Queen has the only second place finish and leads the field of seven in earnings with more than $3,300. Ed Hart trains the 2-year-old daughter of Bettor’s Delight--Vagabond Heart for the Fred Monteleone Stable of Pompano Beach, Fla. Stephane Bouchard has been listed on Paper Queen, who will start from post position six in race number eight.

Dandy Do Right leads the third and final division for freshman pacing fillies, coming into Tioga on a two race win streak. Fern Paquet, Jr. has been listed on the 2-year-old daughter of Sealed N Delivered--Dandy Promise for owner-trainer Harold Reddick, Jr. of Wilton, N.Y. Dandy Do Right has posted two wins in six starts in 2009 and sports a career bankroll of more than $12,000, with a mark of 2:00 at Yonkers Raceway.

Tioga Downs will kick-off live racing action on Friday night with a post time of 6:50 p.m., eastern, Saturday at 6:50 p.m. and Sunday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. For more information about Tioga Downs visit www.tiogadowns.com.

Slated For Success lowers her mark at Tioga

Nichols, NY -- Slated For Success and Fern Paquet, Jr. captured the winners-over trot on Friday night at Tioga Downs. The mile of 1:56 established a new lifetime mark for the 9-year-old daughter of S J’s Photo--Keystone Caviar.

Fred Brown Photography

Slated For Success lowered her mark in Tioga's feature on Friday

Fern’s wife, Jamie, trains Slated For Success for Anthony Tambolleo of Sterling, Mass. It was the fifth win in 23 seasona’s starts for Slated For Success, who increased her season’s earnings to more than $28,000 with the win.

In the $12,000 Open trot, Diva Diva and driver Andy Santeramo went right to the front through fractions of :28, :57.1, and 1:26.2 before opening up on the field to win by open lengths, in 1:56.3.

The 6-year-old Yankee Paco--Lean Cuisine mare is owned by JL Benson Stables of Fort Lauderdale. It was the eighth win in 24 starts for Diva Diva, who increased her bankroll to more than $67,000 by winning the lion’s share of the $12,000 purse. Morguns Sweetheart (Fern Paquet, Jr.) took home the place spot, while Righteous (Corey Braden) got up for third.

Mike Micallef and Andy Santeramo each posted driving doubles on the night’s 10-race card.

Tioga Downs will continue racing action on Saturday, Aug. 8, with a post time of 6:50 p.m., eastern. For more information about Tioga Downs visit www.tiogadowns.com.

Sophomore trotters head to Tioga for State Fair Stakes

Nichols, NY -- A total of 19 3-year-old colt and gelding trotters and 35 3-year-old filly trotters dropped in for the New York State Fair Stakes on Sunday afternoon (August 9) at Tioga Downs. Director of Racing Jason Bluhm split the colts into three divisions, two six-horse fields and one seven, while the girls split into three nine-horse fields, along with one eight-horse field.

Fred Brown Photography

Brandnewgirlfriend has won nine of her ten career starts.

Leading the way for the women is New York’s sophomore trotting star Brandnewgirlfriend for co-owner and trainer Paul Kelley. It will be the third stop for the daughter of Conway Hall-Tiffany Gold at Tioga Downs, where she captured the Tompkins-Geers and Zweig stakes in a lifetime best of 1:56. In her ten career starts Brandnewgirlfriend has posted nine wins, good for a $132,289 career and seasonal bankroll as the sophomore trotter was unraced at the age of two.

In her last start in a New York Sire Stakes race at Yonkers, Brian Mattison and Brandnewgirlfriend lulled them to the three-quarter pole in 1:32.2 then sprinted home in :28 to capture the lion’s share of the $43,160 purse. Mattison has once again been listed on the driving duties for the trotting filly.

On the boys' side, Tip The Tide and Howard Okusko, Jr. will look to get back on track after an equipment break at Batavia where the duo did not finish. Prior to the break Tip The Tide had won five straight, including a Tompkins-Geers event on July 19 at Tioga Downs.

The $80,000 Conway Hall-Olympics colt was purchased by the Purple Haze Stable at the Harrisburg sale in 2007. To date Tip The Tide has won six races, all in 2009, and in 23 career starts has banked over $70,000, carrying a mark of 1:56.2 from Vernon Downs. Howard Okusko, Jr. has been listed on the driving assignment for trainer Jessica Okusko and has drawn post position one in the third event for sophomore trotting colts.

Tioga Downs kicks off its three-day weekend of racing on Friday (6:50 p.m.), Saturday (6:50 p.m.), and Sunday afternoon with a 1:30 p.m. post time. For more information on Tioga Downs visit www.tiogadowns.com.

'Breakfast With The Pros' held at Tioga and Vernon

Nichols, NY -- Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs recently held their first edition of the family day “Breakfast With The Pros” on Saturday, July 25, at Tioga, and on Saturday, August 1, at Vernon Downs.

Tioga Downs photo

Fans enjoyed a trip on the backstretch during the 'Breakfast With The Pros' promotion.

At Tioga more than 30 fans came to get questions answered by leading driver Jimmy Marohn, Jr., and Guy Howard, who is one of Tioga’s trainers and also the President of the STHHA. Jason Settlemoir, VP of Racing & Simulcast, was also on the panel for questions regarding betting, and things held at the track.

The breakfast buffet was served at 10 a.m with the panel going on immediately following breakfast for approximately 35 minutes. At 11 a.m. the fans were taken to the grandstand to watch the qualifying races, while track management and Guy Howard stayed close by to answer any questions the fans had.

Following qualifiers fans were loaded into the Tioga Bus and taken to leading trainer Mike Deters’ barn, where they were given the opportunity to feed and pet some of the horses. Deters then brought a horse out and harnessed him up, showing the fans all the equipment, one piece at a time, so they had a better understanding of what they were watching.

Finally, fans were taken back to the main building where all the children’s names were put into a raffle, all the boys in one, and all the girls in the other for a brand new mountain bike. There were 11 children for the tour, and one boy and one girl each went home with a new bike courtesy of Tioga Downs.

At Vernon Downs the same format was done, but sitting on their panel in front of more than 50 people were Jimmy Whittemore; trainer-president of the HHA of CNY, Rick Papa; and once again, Jason Settlemoir.

The next “Breakfast With The Pros” is scheduled for Saturday, August 22, at 10 a.m. at Tioga Downs, with Vernon Downs hosting theirs on Saturday, August 29, at 10 a.m.

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

Morrill builds a snowman at Tioga

Nichols, NY --- Jim Morrill Jr. put on a driving show at Tioga Downs on Saturday night (July 18), posting eight wins in eight starts, including five of the Tompkins-Geers divisions.

Jason Settlemoir interviewed Morrill following his eighth win, the fans roared and Morrill showed his appreciation by taking off his helmet and thanking the fans for their support.

Fred Brown photo

Among his eight wins in eight drives at Tioga, Jim Morrill Jr. won Tompkins Geers divisions with I'm Gorgeous (above) and He's Gorgeous (below).

I’m Gorgeous and Jim Morrill Jr. made the quarter pole move and cruised to victory in the first division of the Tompkins-Geers for 2-year old colt pacers.

I’m Gorgeous tripped off the three quarter pole in 1:27.1, then sprinted home away from the field with a final panel of 28.3. The 2-year old son of Bettor’s Delight-Joy is trained by George Teauge Jr. who also co-owns the colt with Elmer Fannin. When Morrill was asked if the colt had more pace left in the tank he replied “Oh yeah. We were on cruise control home."

Morrill continued the winning ways in the second division with He’s Gorgeous for Linda Toscano and Ken Jacobs. The 2-year-old son of Art Major-So Ravishing went to the front and lined the field up through fractions of 28, 58, and 1:27 before sprinting home in 28.2. It was the second win in three lifetime starts for He’s Gorgeous, who was purchased by Ken Jacobs for $97,000 as a yearling.

“He is what his name says, he is a beautiful horse, and it looks like he could be living up to it,” said Linda Toscano in the winner’s circle following the victory.

Morrill also scored Tompkins-Geers victories with Jo Pa’s Fod (Art Major-Athena Blue Chip) for trainer Jim Campbell, Naughty Indeed (Badlands Hanover-Lofty Aspirations) trainer George Teague Jr., and DR Dreamy (Art Major-Candy Stripes) also for trainer George Teague Jr. Matt Kakaley took home the lone division Morrill did not have a drive in with Truly A Treasure (Art Major-Private Treasure) for trainer Linda Toscano.

Tioga Downs continues live racing action featuring more of the Tompkins-Geers stakes on Sunday afternoon with a post time of 1:30 p.m. Also, for the Tompkins-Geers stakes Tioga will feature a special Monday night card with a post time of 6:50 p.m.

Simons wins three Tompkins-Geers splits

Nichols, NY --- It was the Simons sweep in the three divisions of Tompkins-Geers stake races for 2-year-old trotting fillies on Friday night (July 17) at Tioga Downs.

Sabana Hanover and Mike Simons captured the $30,352 first division of the Tompkins-Geers. Simons sent the 2-year old daughter of Sj’s Caviar-Sos Fire Fly first over to clear past pacesetter Full Tank (Jim Morrill Jr.) and ease to victory in 2:01. It was the first win of the career for Sabana Hanover in three lifetime starts for Maple Ridge Stable and Mary Martin of Pennsylvania. Clarence Martin Jr. trains the trotting filly who was purchased for $14,000 at the Harrisburg Sale.

Fred Brown photo

Madam Hooch was one of three Tompkins-Geers winners for driver Mike Simons.

In the second division Simons sent Madam Hooch straight to the top from post position 9 and never looked back on their way to victory in 1:59.2. It was the first career victory for the 2-year old daughter of Credit Winner-Pigwidgeon who had previously posted two second-place finishes in his first two starts. Fred Grant trains Madam Hooch for Russell Williams of Hanover, Pa. The trip to victory was made a little bit easier when 1-9 betting favorite Nicole (Jim Morrill Jr.) made a miscue behind the gate, and then again just past the half-mile mark.

In the third and final division Simons relinquished the lead past the quarter mile mark to betting favorite Dreama Littledream (Gates Brunet). Simons kept Felicity Hall in the pocket through fractions of 29.1, 1:00.2, and 1:29.4 before edging to the outside at the top of the stretch to pass by the pacesetter and score in her first lifetime start in 2:00.2. The 2-year-old daughter of Like A Prayer-Favorite Hall is trained by Fred Grant for owner-breeder Walnut Hall Ltd. of Lexington, Ky.

Fred Grant spoke briefly in the winner’s circle following the victory and said Felicity Hall was being aimed toward her stake action at The Red Mile in August.

Jim Morrill Jr. also posted a driving triple on the night’s 11-race card, while leading driver Jimmy Marohn Jr. had a double.

Grand Circuit racing continues on Saturday, July 18, featuring the Tompkins-Geers with a post time of 6:50 p.m.

Grand Circuit racing returns to Tioga Downs

Nichols, NY --- Judge Joe and D.R. Ackerman lead a list of 16 sophomore trotting colts as Grand Circuit racing returns to Tioga Downs this weekend with the Tompkins-Geers stakes. Grand Circuit racing begins on Friday, July 17, and goes through Monday, July 20. Friday, Saturday, and Monday will begin at 6:50 p.m., while racing on Sunday, July 19, holds a 1:30 p.m. post time.

Fred Brown photo

Judge Joe (#4) held off Russell Hill by a neck in last week's $151,670 Zweig Memorial division at Tioga Downs.

Judge Joe has been drawn into race number nine on Sunday afternoon and leads a field of eight as he looks for two wins in a row at Tioga Downs. The 3-year-old Credit Winner-Judge Judy colt won his division of last Friday’s Zweig Open Trot in a new lifetime best of 1:55.1 to stay a perfect five-for-five on the year. Doug Ackerman owns and trains Judge Joe, who has never been worse than third in 17 lifetime starts, with 12 wins and more than $455,000 in career earnings. He is headed for the $1.7 million Hambletonian at The Meadowlands with eliminations on Saturday, August 1.

The high sticker priced yearling colt Carbon Footprint will look for his first victory on Sunday afternoon. The 2-year-old Credit Winner-Lookout Victory colt was purchased at the 2008 Lexington Selected Sale for $190,000. Lookout Victory took a mark of 1:54.3 and earned more than $1.9 million in her racing career. Erv Miller trains Carbon Footprint for Mystical Marker Farms, Shim Racing LLC, Marvin Katz and Al Libfeld.

In the first start of his career in last week’s Reynolds at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, Carbon Footprint came first over and cleared, but got picked up late in the mile and finished second. He was timed in 1:57.4, with a final panel of :29.2, as the 1-2 betting favorite. Jim Morrill, Jr. has been listed for the driving assignment on Sunday afternoon.

In $30,903 second division for 3-year-old pacing fillies, McGibson will look for her second victory in a row after last week’s 1:51.2 score in the Reynolds at Pocono. The daughter of McArdle-Armbro Althea showed her talent last week by pacing away from the field on the front end and then posted a back half in :54.1. McGibson has won six of 11 starts in 2009 for earnings of more than $142,000. She was purchased by Camelot Stable Inc., The Bay’s Stable LLC and William Jacobowitz for $18,000 out of the 2007 Harrisburg Sale, and is a half sister to Rudy Rednose. Linda Toscano trains the filly and Jim Morrill, Jr. has been listed for Sunday’s driving assignment.

The Tompkins-Geers kick-off on Friday night with three events for 2-year-old filly trotters with a post time of 6:50 p.m. For more information on Tioga Downs visit www.tiogadowns.com.

Field still up in the air for Tioga Drivers' Championship

Nichols, NY --- With less than $700,000 covering second through seventh in the driver standings for earnings in North America, the third annual Drivers' Championship at Tioga Downs is far from set.

Tim Tetrick has an astonishing lead on the field and will once again be competing for the $25,000 first place prize on Sunday, August 2. However, the next six in order are Jason Bartlett, Brian Sears, Dave Palone, Ron Pierce, Jody Jamieson, and Andy Miller. These six are jockeying for position in the standings, and three of the six (Palone, Sears, and Pierce) have mounts in Saturday night’s $1 million Meadowlands Pace. Pierce is piloting 6-5 morning line favorite Well Said, and with a victory could catapult past Bartlett into second place, almost securing his place in this year's Championship.

However, more interesting in this weekend’s Meadowlands Pace are the three drivers that are on the outside looking in, and they will all line-up for the $1 million purse. George Brennan, Yannick Gingras and David Miller are eighth, ninth and tenth, respectively, and all have a chance to make one final push to get in. Brennan is less than $22,000 away from qualifying for the Championship, while Gingras needs less than $80,000. Miller is in tenth position and is less than $161,000 behind current seventh place position sitter Andy Miller.

The current leading moneywinning driver at Tioga Downs is Jimmy Marohn, Jr., who sits atop the list with $276,827 in earnings this season, while Andy Santeramo ($188,531) is second and Corey Braden ($152,681) rounds out the top three.

Drivers will be on hand before the races at 12 p.m. to sign autographs for the fans, along with the Yannick Gingras bobblehead giveaway that will also start at 12 p.m. on the trackside apron.

Tioga will take the top seven moneywinning drivers in North America as of the morning of Sunday, July 26, and extend invitations along with the leading moneywinning driver at Tioga Downs and one sponsor’s exemption. If a driver is unable or unwilling to participate from the top seven, Tioga would then extend the invitation to number eight, etc.

Judge Joe remains perfect in '09 in division of Zweig

Nichols, NY --- Judge Joe and DR Ackerman captured the $151,670 first division of the Dr. Harry M. Zweig Memorial on Friday night at Tioga Downs.

The duo got away in the pocket spot as Ray Schnittker and Citation Lindy cut through a torrid opening quarter in 26.4. The field passed the half-mile mark of the race in 56.2 as Russell Hill (John Campbell) began a first-over grind through the third quarter station in 1:25. Campbell got Russell Hill to the front at the top of the stretch, but Judge Joe found room late and dug in to close and win by a neck in 1:55.1. The mile established a new lifetime mark for Judge Joe. Russell Hill (John Campbell) hung on for second, while Neighsay Hanover (Howard Parker) trotted home late for third.

It was the fifth win in five seasonal starts for the 3-year-old Credit Winner-Judge Judy colt, who increased his career earnings to more than $450,000. When interviewed in the winner’s circle following the victory DR Ackerman stated that the homebred son who is owned by Doug Ackerman Stables was being pointed towards the $1.7 million dollar Hambletonian at The Meadowlands.

Fred Brown photo

In the $151,670 second Zweig division John Campbell and Copy Catch used a third-over journey to trot home a winner.

In the $151,670 second division John Campbell and Copy Catch used a third-over journey to trot home a winner through the lane. It was the third win in seven seasonal starts for the 3-year-old Cantab Hall-Catch A Train colt, who increased his seasonal earnings to more than $112,000.

Copy Catch was purchased from the 2007 Lexington Select sale for $145,000 by Lindy Racing Stable, Adam Victor & Son Stable, and Blue Chip Bloodstock Inc.

"I got away fifth and got out behind Tim's horse (Truth In Action) because I thought he was the one to beat in there and he took me right to the top of the stretch. I was very happy the way he came back tonight after his last start at The Meadowlands. I thought he should have won there, but it was going for more money tonight so everything worked out great" said John Campbell in the winner’s circle following the victory. Knoxtrot Hall (Mike Lachance) hung on for second, while Spin Spanky Spin (Fern Paquet Jr.) never left the rail and got up for third.

In the $45,447 first division of the Zweig Filly Trot, Celebrity Athena and Marcus Johansson scored their second victory of the year. The 3-year-old Yankee Glide-Show Me Leg filly is trained by Staffan Lind for Celebrity Farms of New York, NY. The win was her fifth of her career in seventeen starts, and with the victory Celebrity Athena increased her career earnings to more than $111,000. Pleasing Lady (Mike Lachance) got up for second, while early pacesetter She’s So Savvy (Howard Okusko Jr.) hung on for third. The mile of 1:56 established a new lifetime mark for Celebrity Athena.

Brandnewgirlfiend and Wally Hennessey captured the $45,447 second division for 3-year-old filly trotters.

Leaving from post position nine Hennessey had the 3-year-old Conway Hall-Tiffany Gold filly crossed over and settled on the front past the quarter pole in 28.2. The $80,000 yearling got a big breather through the second panel and reached the half-mile mark of the race in 59.1. Hennessey then let Brandnewgirlfriend do her thing, trotting a back half in 56.4 to capture the Zweig in a new lifetime best of 1:56. So You De Vie (Howard Parker) got up for second, while Michelle’s Way (Mike Lachance) was third.

Fred Brown photo

The third and final Zweig division for 3-year-old filly trotters was won by Celebrity Juliet and Mike Lachance.

In the third and final division for 3-year-old filly trotters, Celebrity Juliet and Mike Lachance gave Staffan Lind and Celebrity Farms both doubles in the Zweig Filly divisions.

It was the second win on the year for Celebrity Juliet, who won an elimination of the Elegant Image Stakes from Mohawk, but finished fourth in the final after a first-over grind. The win increased her career bankroll to more than $201,000. Southwind Wasabi (John Campbell) finished second, while Lindy’s RN (Tim Tetrick) finished third.

Tim Tetrick edged even closer to the 5,000 win plateau by posting a driving triple on the night’s eleven race card, while Wally Hennessey enjoyed a driving double.

Truth In Action looks to topple his foes in Zweig

David Mattia

Plainfield, NJ --- It looks like Truth In Action, a Blair Burgess trainee, is heading into his division of the Zweig Memorial Friday night (July 10) at Tioga Downs just as he is rounding into top form.

The son of Cantab Hall-Cressida Hanover-Mr Lavec was winless in seven starts as a freshman, and his earnings for 2008 were just shy of $25,000, but his sophomore campaign is another story, and 2009 finds this brown colt quickly developing into a top trotting contender.

"He was an alright 2-year-old," said Burgess. "He was stakes placed a couple of times but he just couldn't seem to put it all together. He had lots of quick speed and I liked him early but he just couldn't smooth out his gait enough to make him handier and easier for the drivers to drive him the way they wanted to drive him. There was some talent there; but as far as this year goes I wouldn't call him a world champion yet, but he has improved and he's ready for a bunch like these."

Truth In Action is a half brother to 2006 trotting Triple Crown winner and Horse of the Year, Glidemaster (Yankee Glide). Glidemaster, also trained by Burgess, set a single season earnings record (since broken) for trotters when he banked $1,918,701 as a sophomore and while Truth In Action is nearly $1.8 million short of his brother's bankroll and still worlds away from following in his esteemed hoofprints, Burgess does not hesitate to compare the two horses.

"He's a nice colt who is headed in the right direction," said Burgess. "He's a strong horse like his brother. He's not quite as tall as his brother but he's as strong as his brother and he's got the quick speed his brother had and he's very fast and there are not many out there who can out-trot him for a piece. He's about as quick as any of them. The asset that he has, and why he can use that speed is that he's handy and if anything he's handier than Glidemaster."

New Image Media photo

Truth In Action lowered his lifetime mark to 1:56.1 on June 4 at Mohawk.

More recently the 3-year-old has begun to assert himself and with six starts in 2009 he has won three times, finished second twice, and third once, while amassing a healthy $105,776 in earnings for a lifetime bankroll of $130,006. His lifetime mark of 1:56.1 was taken in an overnight event for driver Jody Jamieson at Mohawk on June 4.

His recent second place finishes were hard fought at Mohawk in the Goodtimes against last year's Valley Victory winner, Federal Flex ($637,309), and while Truth In Action managed to get a cozy pocket trip behind Federal Flex in their elimination (June 20) his follow-up performance (June 27) in the $289,884 final of the Goodtimes was a lot more noteworthy.

At odds of 43-1 Truth In Action left from post 10 for driver Tim Tetrick, and brushed early and easily into the two-hole. He got a bit of a shuffle thereafter but then rallied gamely through the final strides to nearly nip Federal Flex in 1:54.2. Only a quarter of a length separated the two at the wire.

"I think he'll be competitive with those horses in the Zwieg," Burgess said. "There are a bunch of trotters in there similar to him and they're all just a bunch of horses heading for the Hambletonian and they're all hoping they are good enough for the Hambletonian. Truth In Action is a Hambletonian eligible as are many of these colts."

Brittany Farms bred Truth In Action and they currently share ownership with Karin Olsson Burgess, Robert Burgess and Truth In Action Partners.

The fields for the Zweig Memorial Open Trot are listed below:

Race 8 -- Purse: $151,670
HN--PP--Horse--Driver--Trainer
1--1--Cruisealong--Mike Lachance--Ron Gurfein
1A--2--Citation Lindy--Ray Schnittker--Ray Schnittker
1B--5--Even Better Odds--Tim Tetrick--Chuck Sylvester
2--3--Hurrikanebiggeorge--Jeff Gregory--John McDermott
3--4--Russell Hill--John Campbell--Jimmy Takter
4--6--Judge Joe--D.R. Ackerman--Doug Ackerman
5--7--Neighsay Hanover--Howard Parker--Trond Smedshammer
6--8--Celebrity Cowboy--Jim Marohn, Jr.--Staffan Lind
7--9--Salutation Hanover--Wally Hennessey--Ronald Burke

Race 9 -- Purse: $151,670
HN--PP--Horse--Driver--Trainer
1--3--Copy Catch--John Campbell--Jimmy Takter
1A--4--Road Rash--Marcus Johansson--Marcus Johansson
2--1--Spin Spankey Spin--Fern Paquet, Jr.--Dan Daley
3--2--Tad The Stud--Ray Schnittker--Ray Schnittker
4--5--Knoxtrot Hall--Mike Lachance--Linda Toscano
5--6--Donttellmywife--Jeff Gregory--George Ducharme
6--7--Truth In Action--Tim Tetrick--Blair Burgess
7--8--Manningly--Wally Hennessey--Larry Rathbone
8--9--Calchips Brute--Jim Marohn, Jr.--Trond Smedshammer

Ryan Anderson to become Sunday regular at Tioga

Balmoral Park photo

Ryan Anderson will begin driving on Sundays at Tioga Downs on July 12.

Nichols, NY -- Ryan Anderson has announced that beginning Sunday, July 12, he will become a regular pilot on Sunday afternoons at Tioga Downs.

Anderson, who just celebrated his 29th birthday on June 21, made the move from Chicago in mid-December and now finds himself sitting fifth in the driving standings at Yonkers Raceway. He also competes regularly at Pocono Downs and Saratoga.

"I absolutely love it out here. I really like the nice program that Tioga has, along with its track and beautiful facility, and just hope that everything works out," Anderson said when asked about the move and the reason he was looking forward to racing at Tioga Downs on Sunday afternoons.

Anderson has already won more than 2,400 races and has career earnings of more than $22 million. He currently resides in the top 40 drivers in North America in earnings for 2009.

Tioga Downs hosts live harness racing action from Nichols, N.Y. every Friday and Saturday with post time at 6:50 p.m., while Sunday afternoons go postward at 1:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.tiogadowns.com.

Less than a month until Tioga Drivers' Championship

Nichols, NY -- The third annual Drivers' Championship at Tioga Downs is rounding into shape as the stakes season rolls on. The top seven moneywinning drivers in North America, along with the top moneywinning driver at Tioga Downs, and one sponsor's exemption will battle it out in Nichols, N.Y., on Sunday, August 2, for more than $43,000 in prize money.

The winner of the event will take home $25,000, second place $5,000, third place $4,000, and places four through nine will each receive $1,500.

If the field were set today the following drivers would be competing in the 2009 Drivers' Championship:

Tim Tetrick: The "Bionic Man" has a $2 million lead on the field with more than $6.4 million in purse earnings this year. A few of Tetrick’s main victories have come with Passmaster Hanover in the $500,000 New Jersey Classic at The Meadowlands; Southwind Tempo, who has been untouchable this year in the open mare ranks; and Not Enough, who captured the Fan Hanover final at Mohawk.

Jason Bartlett: Yonkers Raceway's leading driver has had a sensational year to this point with more than 300 wins and more than $4.4 million in earnings. Bartlett also represented the United States in the World Driving Championship where he finished sixth back in May.

Brian Sears: The "White Knight" rolls in at third place in the drivers' earnings and is no stranger to the Drivers' Championship event as in 2007 he was co-champion with Yannick Gingras. Although Sears has the least amount of starts of all the top drivers he still finds himself among the top of the rankings because of consistency. He pilots early Hambletonian favorite Muscle Hill, and also drives top free for all pacer Mister Big.

Dave Palone: HTA's 2008 co-driver of the year along with Tim Tetrick currently sits in fourth place with more than $4 million in earnings. Racing mainly at The Meadows, Palone races in 16 races a day, four days a week, and pilots most of leading trainer Ron Burke’s horses at The Meadows. Some of his main mounts in 2009 are Ginger And Fred, Sheer Desire, and sophomore trotting filly Timelesswinner Two, when she is competing in sire stakes competition at The Meadows.

Ron Pierce: Pierce catapulted himself into the top seven moneywinning drivers after his victory with Well Said in the $1.3 million North America Cup. He has also been the pilot of early season standout pacer Winbak Speed, who has banked more than $450,000 for owner/trainer Wayne Givens.

Jody Jamieson: Pilot of top trotting colt Federal Flex, a definite contender for the 2009 Hambletonian. Jamieson and Federal Flex captured the $289,884 final of the Goodtimes Trot at Mohawk Raceway, where he currently leads in the drivers' standings. His 396 wins leads the list of eligible drivers for the Drivers' Championship.

George Brennan: The "Minister Of Speed" rounds out the top seven moneywinning drivers in North America. He steered If I Can Dream to victory in the $421,850 final of the Art Rooney Pace at Yonkers Raceway in mid-June. Brennan also captured the $200,000 NJSS final for 3-year-old trotting fillies with Margarita Momma at The Meadowlands the same night.

Jimmy Marohn, Jr.: Marohn currently leads the drivers' standings in wins and earnings at Tioga Downs in 2009. He also recently captured his 1,000th career driving victory on June 10 at Tioga Downs with Spill The McBeans. He captured the $39,400 final of the M&J Oil and Lube pace on Sunday, June 28, at Tioga with P H Tornado, who equaled the track mark for a 4-year-old gelding pacer in 1:51.3.

Sponsor's Exemption: Who will the 2009 sponsor's exemption be? There is plenty of racing left to be done and plenty of money to be won, so stay tuned to see which nine drivers will compete for $43,000 in prize money on Sunday, August 2, at Tioga Downs.

We would like to thank our sponsors who make this event possible: Allerage Farms, All Events Engraving, Big Dee’s Tack and Vet Supplies, Bow River Jewelry, CGL, Community Press Paper, Delaware County Fair, Horsemen and Fair World, Lexington Selected Yearling Sale, LP Ciminelli, L.V. Harkness & Company, Maine Source, NTRA, Oneida Print Shop, Roberts Communication Network, STHHA, Tioga Downs, Towne Law Office, VIP Structures, and Winbak Farm.

Tioga announces Drivers' Challenge details

Nichols, NY -- The Third Annual Drivers’ Championship at Tioga Downs has been scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 2, with a post time of 1:30 p.m., eastern.

Fred Brown

The participating drivers met their fans last year at Tioga Downs

The top seven moneywinning drivers in North America, along with the top money winning driver at Tioga Downs and one sponsor’s exemption will compete for $40,000 in prize money. The winner’s share will be $25,000.

Also featured that same afternoon will be the Yannick Gingras bobblehead giveaway, in honor of his shared victory in 2007 and outright title in 2008. Gingras clinched last year’s title in the sixth and final race, with All Due Respect for trainer Jean Drolet, from post position eight.

The cutoff date for the top moneywinning drivers will be Sunday, July 26. If the competition were to start today, the top seven would be Tim Tetrick, Brian Sears, Jason Bartlett, Dave Palone, Andy Miller, Jody Jamieson and George Brennan. The driver representing Tioga Downs would be leading driver Jimmy Marohn, Jr., and the 2009 sponsor exemption would be announced later.

Sponsorship opportunities for the Third Annual Driver’s Championship at Tioga Downs are still available; those who would like to be part of this exciting day should contact Jason Settlemoir, vice president of racing and simulcast at Tioga Downs, via e-mail at jsettlemoir@tiogadowns.com, or by phone at (607) 699-7588. For more information about Tioga Downs, visit www.tiogadowns.com.

Marohn Jr. drives 1,000th winner at Tioga

Nichols, NY -- Jimmy Marohn Jr. captured his 1,000th career driving victory on Wednesday afternoon (June 10) at Tioga Downs behind 3-year old pacer Spill The Mcbeans.

Fred Brown Photos

From left: Patrick Coleman, Jason Settlemoir, Jason Bluhm and Dustin Ross join driver Jimmy Marohn Jr. in the winner's circle following his 1,000th win.

It was part of a driving triple on the day for the 27-year old New York native who has already steered 113 winners thus far in 2009.

"It has been a great ride so far," he said. "I couldn’t ask to do anything else; it's been a blast. It couldn’t have come at a better place, either, the management here is top notch"

Marohn Jr. currently is at the top of the driving standings at Tioga Downs, as through 16 race programs he has steered home 28 winners.

Marohn also steered Yankee Nola to victory in the $13,000 Open Handicap Trot in a lifetime-best of 1:54.4. The mile was just a tick off the track record for older trotting mares set by Khifra Hamover in 2007.

Marohn drove pacer Spill The Mcbeans to his 1,000th win. 

Marohn sent the 7-year old SJ’s Photo mare to the front through fractions of 27.2, 57.1, and 1:26 before sprinting away from the field with a 28.4 last quarter. It was the second time in five days that the lone mare wired the boys in the featured trot at Tioga Downs.

It was the sixth win in 15 starts for Yankee Nola, who is owned and trained by Tyler Raymer of New Ringold, Pa. The trotting mare increased her seasonal earnings to more than $71,000 with the victory. Yankee Nola is a perfect three-for-three this year at Tioga Downs, all with Marohn in the sulky.