by Dustin Ross, regional racing operations manager, Tioga/Vernon Downs

Nichols, NY — Tioga Downs management would like to remind all horsemen that the track is hosting qualifiers on Friday, April 23, at 11 a.m.

The entry box for qualifying entries closes on Thursday, April 22, at 10 a.m. and qualifying entries can be called into the race office at 607.699.7688.

Tioga will also be hosting qualifiers on a special “Press Night” on Tuesday, April 27, at 6:50 p.m., and the final qualifiers on Friday, April 30, before live racing begins on Saturday, May 1.

For more information visit www.tiogadowns.com or call the race office at 607.699.7688.

Tioga/Vernon hit social media sites

In the day and age of social media sites being the pinnacle of keeping in touch with old friends and promoting products to millions of viewers, Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs are gearing up to use those sites in coordination with promotions at the track in 2010.

The promotion will kick off on Friday, April 23, at Vernon Downs when it is deemed “Facebook Friday.” Guests that have Facebook must be a friend of Vernon Downs and print off a coupon good for one free hot dog, soda, and race program. The guest then brings the coupon in on Friday, April 23, only, and takes it to the guest services booth.

“My Space Saturdays” will begin on Saturday, April 24, and follow the same concepts as the Facebook Fridays.

“Social networking is here and is the present and future of marketing to wide audiences online. This is another way of trying to bring in the crowds for live harness racing and promoting our sport to everyone online,” said Jason Settlemoir, VP of Racing and Simulcast.

To become a friend of Vernon Downs and Tioga Downs, sign up for a username on Facebook or Myspace and search for Vernon Downs and Tioga Downs.

For more information visit www.vernondowns.com and www.tiogadowns.com.