by Justin Horowitz, Regional Racing Marketing Manager, Tioga and Vernon Downs

Nichols, NY — With the Tioga Downs Scholarship Race not far off on Sunday (June 1), five local high school students have begun their preparations in earnest for the non-wagering event.

Megan Vanvorce (Binghamton), Shania Shaver (Candor), Jason Hill (Maine-Endwell), Kayla Martin (Newark Valley), and Rachael Oltmer (Union-Endicott) each were paired with a veteran Tioga Downs horseman last Saturday morning (May 17), where they learned the basics of horsemanship, race tactics, and equine safety. They will continue their preparations over the next two Saturdays before taking to the track on June 1 for the Scholarship Race.

The five students and their professional coaches will race in double-seated jog cards in a special event on the rich Roll With Joe undercard, with the winning student earning a $3,000 scholarship.

Thanks to the efforts of the New York State Agricultural Fund and the Southern Tier Harness Horsemen’s Association, each of the five students will earn at least $1,000 in scholarship money.