Nichols, NY — Live harness racing will make its return to Upstate New York this Spring with Tioga Downs preparing to kick off the 2021 live racing season on Saturday (May 1).

Racing will follow a Friday and Saturday evening, Sunday matinee schedule covering 59 dates until Sept. 25.

With the casino operational and revenue projected to return to pre-COVID levels, the purses for the 2021 season will be close to the 2019 levels. It is our hope that live attendance and on-site wagering will be permitted during the racing.

The Southern Tier Harness Horseman’s Association plans to reinstate the stabling incentive program.

Tioga Downs offers stabling at no cost to horsemen and the stall/racing applications are currently available on the web. They should be completed in full, signed and returned by March 25.

Questions may be directed to Racing Operations Manager Brett Risi at 607.699.7688 or STHHA President Guy Howard at 607.765.7168.