Nichols, NY — Tioga Downs kicks off the 2023 live racing season on Saturday (May 6). The races will begin at 5:15 p.m., a special post time to accommodate the simulcast of the Kentucky Derby. Races one-four will go before the Derby (estimated post time of 7 p.m.) with races five-12 resuming at approximately 7:25 p.m.

Big cards and full fields are the theme on both Saturday (12 races) and Sunday (13 races) with many familiar faces returning and a few new ones sprinkled in.

Last year’s top drivers Wally Hennessey, Mike Merton, Corey Braden and Aaron Byron are back driving for top trainers like Mike Deters, Rob Harmon, Joe Skowyra and Stacey McLenaghan.

Challenging the veterans will be Brandon Parker, who looks to build on his successful rookie season in 2022, Tyler Miller in from New Jersey and Ridge Warren is going to give Tioga a try this season as he commutes from The Meadows and Pocono.

“We couldn’t be more excited to start the season with two terrific cards and several new faces in our driver colony. Hopefully the strong numbers in our entry box continue throughout the meet,” said Racing Manager Andrew “Shades” Demsky on the opening weekend.

Sunday’s post time is 1 p.m., as it will be all summer. After the early post time on opening day, the regular Friday and Saturday programs will start at 6:15 p.m. Find all pertinent info including Lasix and paddock schedules on the web.