by Anthony Byers, assistant race secretary, Tioga Downs

Nichols, NY — May 3rd was the biggest day of horse racing in the country. This year, thousands of racing fans came to Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs to watch the running of the 2008 Kentucky Derby. However, because of difficulties with the United Tote system, many of our fans were unable to bet on the races at Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs.

In an effort to make up for this problem, Tioga and Vernon Downs have teamed up with United Tote, the provider of the betting system, to offer spectators a free $2.00 bet for the 2008 Preakness on May 17. With the purchase of a 50 cent Pimlico program that day, Tioga and Vernon patrons will receive a complimentary $2 free betting voucher to be used on any race held that day.

“It was very unfortunate timing for the betting system to go down in the middle of the Kentucky Derby,” said Jason Settlemoir, Regional Vice President of Racing & Simulcast at Tioga and Vernon Downs. “We wanted to offer this to our patrons as a way to make up for the inconvenience so that they will come back and play the races at our places.”

Simulcast racing action from Pimlico starts at 10:00 a.m. and live racing at 6:50 p.m. at Tioga Downs. Post time at Vernon Downs is 6:55 p.m.

For more information please visit us on our Web sites at www.tiogadowns.com or www.vernondowns.com. For any other questions, give us a call at 1-888-WIN-TIOGA.