Nichols, NY — The 2023 live racing season at Tioga Downs starts on Saturday (May 6) with purses up considerably over last year.

A quick scan of the condition sheet reveals that the lowest purse offered is for the non-winners of $1,501 last four/optional $5,000 claimer at $6,000. The non-winners of one pari-mutuel is $8,000 and the top is $15,000 for a full field of Open types, all comparing favorably for the region.

Rob Pennington has moved into the Race Secretary’s chair and has instituted a new draw schedule; the box close for the May 6 card will be Monday (May 1) at 9 a.m.

There will be ample opportunity to get raced at Tioga, where the 2022 overnight field size averaged just over seven while over $4.5 million was paid out in overnight purses during the 52 day meet. The Southern Tier Harness Horsemen’s Association (STHHA) pays the NYS starting fee for their members.

Tioga has historically opened on Kentucky Derby day with an early post time of 5:15 p.m., scheduling the first four races before the Derby (estimated to be 7 p.m.), then continuing with the balance of the card around 7:30 p.m.

The normal racing schedule will be Friday and Saturday at 6:15 p.m. and the Sunday matinee at 1 p.m. each week.

A brand new rotating claiming series with enticing final purses is scheduled for the Friday cards beginning on May 12.

All competing horsepersons must complete the racing application before they race a horse. Call the Racing Office at 607.699.7688 for more information. Pennington may be reached at 732.984.3196.