Tioga Downs will send two lucky contestants to the largest harness handicapping event of its kind, the $50,000 World Harness Handicapping Competition. Qualifying tournaments at Tioga Downs are set for Feb. 20 and March 19, with one seat to the finals up for grabs at each event. Contestants can enter either tournament for a $60 entry fee.<\/p>\n
The format of the tournaments requires contestants to make ten $2 win and place wagers on ten designated contest races. Contestants keep any winnings. The grand prize winner will also receive two nights of hotel accommodations and a $100 travel credit to the WHHC Final.<\/p>\n
The winner of each contest will earn a spot in the WHHC Final to be held April 30 at the Meadowlands in New Jersey. Contestants there will vie for $50,000 in prizes (payouts to the top ten) and the coveted title of \u201charness handicapper of the year.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe World Harness Handicapping Championship is a big event that people look forward to every year,\u201d said Tioga Downs\u2019 owner Jeff Gural. \u201cWe are so pleased to be able to offer two highly sought after opportunities at our Tioga and Vernon properties to earn a spot to participate.\u201d<\/p>\n
Qualifying events are also being held at Vernon Downs, the Meadowlands and numerous other racetracks and online sites.<\/p>\n
Tioga Downs offers live harness racing, video lottery terminals, video poker and electronic table games. A variety of eateries are also part of the current entertainment complex. Jeff Gural owns Tioga Downs in Nichols, N.Y. and Vernon Downs in Vernon, N.Y.<\/p>\n