Nichols, NY — Elegant Noelle and Aaron Byron won a thrilling $10,500 featured Fillies & Mares Open 2 Pace at Tioga Downs on Saturday (July 1).

Arnie’s Angel (Ridge Warren) took the lead just before hitting the quarter first in :26.3. She slowed things down using a :30 second quarter to be first to the half in :56.3. She was first to three-quarters in 1:24.2.

As they made the turn for home, Pearl Harbour N (Mike Merton) came first-up to challenge and Elegant Noelle ($22.80) came three-wide down the lane. Elegant Noelle took the lead and dug in to hold off a late charge by second-place finisher So Diva (Tom Merton) to win in 1:53.3. Pearl Harbour N finished third.

Elegant Noelle won a blanket finish in Saturday’s top distaff pace at Tioga Downs. Fred Brown photo.

Elegant Noelle is a 6-year-old mare by Heston Blue Chip owned by Robert Fleming and trainer Timothy Miller Jr. It was her fourth win this season and her eighth career victory.

Live racing returns on Sunday (July 2) with an 11-race card starting at 1 p.m. For more information, go to www.tiogadowns.com.