Tioga Downs press release

Friday May 19th, horses graced the 5/8th mile Tioga Downs for the first time in 30 years, and rave reviews are already in. “The track is fantastic” said Joe Ozmeloski, head of the newly formed STHHA (Southern Tier Harness Horsemen Association). “I wanted to go a mile in 2:10 and I went in 2:09 , but I could have went more, a lot more. The track is great!”

The track officially opened for jogging Friday morning and although the weather wasn’t exactly cooperating, spirits and reviews remained high. Joe, and fellow horseman Guy Howard (board member of the STHHA), were good sports for the Newspaper and Television crews on the grounds to record the historic event. Both men took out horses to train even with steady rain falling and brisk winds helping the temperature struggle to reach 50 degrees.

Greg DeFrank, the Vice President and Director of Racing, was happy to see horses on the grounds. “Were looking forward to the June 9 th opening in a couple weeks, and with qualifiers right around the corner, this place is really starting to take shape,” DeFrank said.

The qualifiers Greg referred to will begin this upcoming Friday, May 26 th at 11 am. Entries for Friday’s inaugural qualifier must be in by Thursday May 25 th at 10 and may be called into the race office at (607) 699-3900.