by John Horne, for Tioga Downs

Nichols, NY — Tioga Downs, the Southern Tier Harness Horsemen’s Association and the Harness Horse Breeders of NYS sponsored a Scholarship race for five local high school seniors on Sunday (June 11).

Ashley Tiffany of Tioga Central, driving the horse Springhouse Mojo with trainer Mike Sinclair, captured the race. Tiffany, who is going to Arnot Ogden School of Nursing, admitted she was real nervous. “It was a thrill of a lifetime,” she said.

Alicia Cygan from Vestal High School, who is going to Nazareth College, finished second with Revenant and trainer Mickey Mc Nichol. Finishing third was Anna Raymond from Newark Valley High School, driving Hot Patootie with trainer Joe Skowyra. Raymond will attend Morrisville State in the fall to study equine science and management. Fourth went to Jacob Pylypciw representing Union Endicott, with the horse Thumpem N and trainer Jeff Byron. Pylypciw is going to Stony Brook University to study clinical laboratory science. Finishing fifth was Ethan Pryor from Owego Free Academy guiding College Major with trainer Jason Mac Dougall. Pryor will attend Seton Hall to study communications.

All five students received a scholarship for $1,700.

For more information go to www.tiogadowns.com.