by Dustin Ross, Regional Racing Operations Manager, Tioga Downs

Nichols, NY — Tioga Downs opened up for its eighth season of live racing on Saturday (May 4). As in years past, the harness racing fans of the Southern Tier showed their support as more than 15,000 attended “Derby Fest” at Tioga Downs.

Fred Brown photo

Visible Gold was a 1:49.3 winner in the Hudson River Series.

Trainer Ron Burke, driver Jimmy Marohn, Jr. and Visible Gold got the year started off with a bang, winning the third leg of the Hudson River Series in a new lifetime best of 1:49.3.

The pair left from post six in :26.1, but were forced to release Long Live Rock (Jeff Dauplaise) who was parked on the outside. The field paced by the half in :54 as Domethatagain (Marcus Miller) headed the field towards three-quarters. Down the backside, Visible Gold found room and angled off the pylons, following Mr Dennis (Nick Surick) by the three-quarters in 1:21.1.

Around the final turn, Marohn sent Visible Gold three wide and paced away from the field in the stretch for his ninth win in a row. Domethatagain hung tough for second, while Take It Back Terry, the other half of the Ron Burke-trained entry, paced home late for third.

Tioga Downs’ 2012 leading trainer, Ron Burke, trains the 5-year old son of Bettor’s Delight–Gabrielle for Burke Racing, Weaver Bruscemi, and RTC Stables.

Spice It Up Lindy (Jim Meittinis) captured Saturday night’s $16,000 Open Trot in 1:53.3, while Doc’s Hope (Meittinis) took home the $16,000 Fillies and Mares Open Pace in 1:52.

Meittinis posted four driving victories on the night’s 10-race card, while Marohn had a triple.