Tioga Downs in Nichols, N.Y. kicks off their tenth season of live harness racing with a Kentucky Derby celebration on Saturday, May 2. Visit their website, www.tiogadowns.com or Facebook page for detailed information and event times. (Photos by JoAnn R. Walter)
Tioga Downs in Nichols, N.Y., a gaming and entertainment complex, kicks off their tenth season of live harness racing with a Kentucky Derby celebration on Saturday, May 2.
Tioga Downs in Nichols, N.Y. kicks off their tenth season of live harness racing with a festive southern-style Kentucky Derby celebration on Saturday, May 2.
The 141st running of the Kentucky Derby, which features thoroughbred contenders with going-for-the-win names like International Star, American Pharaoh, and Itsaknockout, among others, will be shown by simulcast at Tioga Downs.
Guests will be able to bet on the famous horse race, referred to as “the most exciting two minutes in sports,” while enjoying the spirited fun of dressing-for-the-occasion adorned with derby-style hats. To place a wager, guests must be 18 years of age. Following the Kentucky Derby, the first live race of the Tioga Downs season takes the track.
At a special 2015 Tioga Downs preview event held on Wednesday, April 29, Justin Horowitz, regional racing marketing manager, shared, “Many of the best horses in the sport race at Tioga Downs.” Referring to well-known pacers like Sweet Lou, Tioga Downs offers some of the top harness stake races in the country with track record contenders and drivers.
On the May 2 opening day, guests can paint the town at Tioga Downs while being entertained by several live music performances, partake in a commemorative Derby Day photo and enter a Derby hat contest which awards a $300 top prize. Chances to receive a race day tee shirt and magnet giveaway are in store as well. Along with “hot seat” drawings, one lucky guest will receive the $1,000 Derby Dream, an exciting drawing that will allow the winning fan to wager on one horse racing in the Kentucky Derby. In addition to Derby festivities, boxing fans can watch the Mayweather versus Pacquiao fight in the Coaster’s Sports Bar.
Tom Osiecki, president and general manager of American Racing & Entertainment, shared details of Tioga Downs’ tenth season of live harness racing at a 2015 season preview on Wednesday, April 29. In addition, he commented about significant enhancements in the preparation of a new proposal for the full gaming license.
Throughout the summer season, Tioga Downs will be hosting multiple special events. Sunday afternoon races are promoted as Family Day, with fun activities planned for children. The second annual Tioga Downs World Chicken Spiedie Eating Championship will be held Aug. 8, with returning food-eating-star Joey Chestnut on deck. Visitors can participate all season long in the “Horseplay Car Giveaway”, and four live shows highlight the outdoor summer concert series including Chubby Checker, Sara Evans, Lee Greenwood and Big and Rich.
Also in the spotlight, the community awaits word on Tioga Downs efforts of preparing a new proposal to apply for the state’s final full gaming license. At the Tioga Downs preview event, President and General Manager of American Racing & Entertainment, Tom Osiecki, commented, “We are looking to enhance the proposal, and those enhancements will be significant. This is where the fourth license should be. We are very excited, and when we finally have the opportunity to announce it, there will be big surprises.”
For additional information about Tioga Downs’ May 2 opening day, summer events, live harness racing schedule and other features of the gaming and entertainment complex, please visit www.tiogadowns.com or find them on Facebook.
