by Dustin Ross, Regional Racing Operations Manager, Tioga Downs

Nichols, NY — It was week two of a three week lesson at Tioga Downs for four local area high school students who will take part in a scholarship harness race on Sunday, June 12.

Tioga Dowms photo

A high school student gets some practice on a double seated jog cart.

Participants from Vestal, Newark Valley, Union Endicott, and Waverly High Schools are in the process of learning some of the tricks of the trade from some of the top conditioners at Tioga Downs. Jason McDougal, Ed Hensley, Judy Lanpher, and Jamie Paquet have all volunteered their time to assist in helping the high school students get a better understanding of the sport of harness racing and some of the daily care that goes into the horses.

The race will take place on June 12 between the live races, on a card which will feature the $200,000 (est.) Bettor’s Delight Pace and its counterpart $200,000 (est.) Artiscape Pace for mare pacers. The students will ride in a double seated jog cart with their professional driver-trainer who they have learned from over the past three weeks.

Scholarships for the event will be given out in the order of finish of the race: first place: $3,000; second place: $2,000; third place: $1,200; and fourth place: $800.

For more information on Tioga Downs visit www.tiogadowns.com.