by Anthony Byers, assistant race secretary Tioga Downs

Nichols, NY — Tioga Downs announced today the addition of two racing days to its 2008 racing schedule, pending regulatory approval.

Tioga will add Friday, May 9, and Friday, May 16, with a post time of 6:50 p.m. The addition of the two racing days comes after an overwhelming response to Tioga’s Late Closer program.

“We received a staggering amount of entries for our group of 3-year-old Late Closers,” said Jason Bluhm, Director of Racing for Tioga and Vernon Downs. “So many, in fact, that we wouldn’t have had enough room on our cards to get the overnight horses raced. Mr. Gural, Mr. Settlemoir and I held a conference call about it today and decided that the best course of action was to add two days of racing. This will ensure that all of the horsemen shipping in, as well as horsemen already stabled at our facility, will have a chance to race. While opening weekend will probably offer little opportunity for overnight horses, by adding Friday racing on the following two weekends, we will be able to make up for it.”

Tioga Downs received a record number of entries for its 3-year-old Late Closer events, including nominations from over 140 colt and filly pacers combined.

Tioga kicks off its 2008 racing season on Saturday, May 3, at 6:50 p.m.

The addition of two racing days is subject to approval from the New York State Racing & Wagering Board.

For more information, please call the Tioga Downs race office at (607) 699-7688 or visit our Web site at www.tiogadowns.com.