Nichols, NY — Prairie Westerngal ($10.40) and Braxten Boyd charged late to take the featured $12,000 Fillies & Mares Open Pace at Tioga Downs on Sunday (July 3).

Prairie Westerngal forged her way to the front and led to the quarter in :27.2 before yielding to Alta Madeira N (Mike Merton) while passing the stands for the first time. Prairie Westerngal stalked closely behind Alta Madeira N, who rated a :56.1 half and protected the lead from the first-over Georgie (Aaron Byron) past three-quarters in 1:24.

As they reached the stretch, Alta Madeira N continue to lead as Georgie kept coming and Prairie Westerngal found an opening near the pylons, making it three across the track. Prairie Westerngal slipped through to collar Alta Madeira N in 1:52.2. Georgie was third.

Prairie Westerngal (#4) wedged up the pegs to collar Alta Madeira N in Sunday’s Fillies & Mares Open Pace at Tioga Downs. Fred Brown photo.

Prairie Westerngal, a 6-year-old mare by Western Ideal, is owned trainer Mike Deters in partnership with Joel Warner and Patricia Fitz. It was her third win this season and the 25th of her career.

Boyd drove three winners on the card, also winning with Defon Seelster ($18.80) and Joint Account ($3.60). John Hallett and Randy Taft had training doubles, and Aaron Byron had a driving double.

Live racing returns to Tioga Downs on Monday (July 4) with an 11-race card starting at 6:15 p.m. and fireworks following the last race. For more information, go to the Tioga Downs website.