Nichols, NY — Pauly Wally and driver Wally Hennessey captured the featured $20,000 King of Klaims series final at Tioga Downs on Friday (May 26).

Sport Bettor (Tyler Miller) took the early lead and controlled a :27.3 quarter before yielding to Pauly Wally ($6.80) as they headed for the stands for the first time. Stellar BB (Luke Hanners) came first-up to challenge as they headed around the clubhouse turn, but Pauly Wally repelled the challenge and led to the half in :56.1 and three-quarters in 1:24.3. As they reached the stretch, it was all Pauly Wally, who won easily in 1:53.4. Sharp Razor (Brandon Parker) was second; Blacklight (Ridge Warren) finished third.

Pauly Wally coasted to an easy win in the King of Klaims series championship. Fred Brown photo.

Pauly Wally is a 10-year-old gelding by Shadow Play owned by Kathleen Lauer and trained by Shawn McDonough. It was his sixth win in 2023 and the 42nd of his career.

Mike Merton had a driving triple; Bruce Aldrich Jr. added a driving double.

Live racing at Tioga Downs returns on Saturday (May 14) with a nine-race card starting at 6:15 p.m. For more information, go to www.tiogadowns.com.