by Dustin Ross, regional racing operations manager, Tioga/Vernon Downs

Nichols, NY — Tioga Downs lowered its takeout rates to state minimums for the 2010 race season and the numbers have shown promise as they continue to rise.

In July, Tioga Downs was up in its live racing handle by eight percent and watched its export number grow for the second straight month by 21 percent. For the year, Tioga Downs is down 1 percent on live handle, but is up in export by 13 percent compared to 2009. The import number at Tioga in July picked up by 25 percent, and for the year is up by 4.5 percent.

“These are the types of numbers we were hoping for when we took on the lower takeout rate initiative this year. It is encouraging to see numbers grow at this rate, and we hope to keep it up through our 2010 race meet. With all of the bad news in our industry as of late it is good to see that with hard work and just a few changes we can make a positive impact here at Tioga,” said Jason Settlemoir, VP of Racing and Simulcast.

Conversely, at Vernon Downs, the HHA of CNY refused an agreement with management for lower takeout rates, and the Vernon Downs export numbers for 2010 are down more than 13 percent.

Tioga Downs races on Friday and Saturday at 6:50 p.m. and Sunday at 1:30 p.m. For more information visit www.tiogadowns.com.