Nichols, NY – In a one-on-one race for the title of Pacer of Year, P L Princess C (Jeff Long) captured the much anticipated $10,000 match race at Tioga Downs on closing night Saturday (Sept. 23).

P L Princess C (#1) won the match race against Talk Show Chica to determine the Tioga Downs Pacer of the Year on Saturday night. Fred Brown photo.

Talk Show Chica (Corey Braden) blasted right out of the gate and led easily to the quarter in :29.2. She crawled to the half in 1:01.1. Talk Show Chica remained in the lead hitting three-quarters first in 1:28.4.

As they made the turn for home, P L Princess C popped the pocket and the race was on. Talk Show Chica dug in and P L Princess C kept coming. Both mares gave it everything they had. P L Princess C used a late lunge to win by a head in the end in 1:56.1.

Tioga Downs’ announcer, “Shades” Demsky presents Pacer of the Year Award. Fred Brown photo.

P L Princess C is a 4-year-old mare by Thinking Out Loud. She is owned by Charlene Long and driver Jeff Long while trained by Paul Long. In 14 starts this season at Tioga she now has eight wins, three seconds, and a third. P L Princess C is now the Pacer of the Year with her impressive win in the match race.

Knight Angel was named Trotter of the Year. He had five wins, three seconds, and two thirds in 15 starts at Tioga. The 7-year-old gelding by Arch Angel is owned by Jaypaul Hoover and trained by Julie Miller. His steady driver is Tyler Miller.

Mike Merton was the leading driver. “Magic Mike” had 115 wins. Ridge Warren (69), Tyler Miller (65), Jim Taggert Jr. (58), and Aaron Byron (35) round out the top five.

Rob Harmon was top trainer with 59 wins. Mike Deters was second with 27 tallies. Michelle Warner (22), Shane Taggert (21), Julie Miller (21), and Stacey McLenaghan (20) round out the top six.

Deborah Gagnon was groom of the year

Tioga Downs wants to thank the fans, the horse people, and the employees for a great season. Racing returns in May 2024.

For more information go to www.tiogadowns.com.