by Dustin Ross, Regional Racing Operations Manager, Tioga Downs

Nichols, NY — Tioga Downs is set for opening day of its 2013 race season on Saturday (May 4) — Kentucky Derby Day — with a post time of 5 p.m.

A few of the Tioga Downs opening day traditions will continue with a visit from the Buffalo Jills, Derby Day Hat Contest, race date t-shirt and magnet giveaways, horseplay car giveaway and much more.

Tioga held its first qualifying races of the year this past Friday (April 19) with four qualifying events going to the gate. Another set of qualifiers will be held on Friday (April 26) with entries due into the Tioga Downs Race Office (607.699.7688) by 10 a.m. on Thursday morning (April 25).

A final set of qualifiers will be held on “Press Night” on Tuesday (April 30) with qualifiers beginning at 6:50 p.m. Entries to the “Press Night” qualifiers are due into the race office by 10 a.m. on Monday morning (April 29).

Tioga would like to remind all horsemen that we have switched to a four day box for the 2013 racing season. Entries for opening day (Saturday, May 4) are due into the Tioga Downs Race Office by 9 a.m. on Tuesday (April 30).

For more information on Tioga Downs, visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com or call the Tioga Downs Race Office at 607.699.7688.