by Dustin Ross, Regional Racing Operations Manager, Tioga/Vernon Downs

Nichols, NY — The Historic Series races, which have recently resided at the Meadowlands, will get a new home for the 2011 race season at Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs.

The 2-year-old races, including the E.H. Harriman Cup, Acorn Stakes, Goshen Cup and Debutante Stakes, will all be raced on Friday, September 2, at Vernon Downs, the same night as The Muscle Hill for Open mare trotters and The Credit Winner for Open Free For All trotters.

The 3-year-old events for trotters, including the Historic-Dickerson Cup for colts and geldings, and the Coaching Club Trotting Oaks for fillies, will be held at Tioga Downs on Saturday, June 25. Tioga Downs will showcase the Jersey Cup for 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers and the Ladyship Stake for 3-year-old pacing fillies a week later, on Saturday, July 2.

The Historic Series races have always been a stepping stone for some of the top Grand Circuit horses gearing up for the heart of the stakes season. In 2010 Muscle Massive used the Historic-Dickerson Cup as a preparation on the road to the Hambletonian, finishing second to freshman standout Holiday Road. In the sophomore colt pace, Rockin Image captured a division of the Jersey Cup in a lifetime best of 1:48.2.

“I remember when I was much younger going to Goshen to watch great horses compete in these races, and I’m thrilled that we were able to bring these races back to New York. Hopefully we will be able to create some interesting races for our customers at Tioga and Vernon in 2011,” said American Racing and Entertainment Chairman Jeff Gural.

For more information please visit www.tiogadowns.com or www.vernondowns.com.