by Dustin Ross, Regional Racing Operations Manager, Tioga Downs

Nichols, NY — Stalls are still available at Tioga Downs as the March 12 deadline has been extended. Through March 23, about 100 stalls were still available.

“In the past, Pompano had been shutting down around the time we opened, and then we were shutting down around the time they reopened, so we had a nice little thing going there,” said Director of Racing Jason Bluhm. “Now that Pompano is racing year round we lost some of the Florida guys and have room for some new stables.”

Tioga Downs recently announced a purse increase of 10 percent to kick off the 2011 meet. The Open went from $15,000 to $16,500 and average daily purses are now $70,000.

Tioga also hosts the eight divisions of the New York Sire Stakes as well as the following other stakes: the Simpson, the Empire Breeders Classic, the Bettor’s Delight, the Artiscape, the Miss Versatility, the Historic Series, the Tompkins-Geers, the New York State Fair, and the Zweig.

It is an exciting place to race. We have a great barn area, a good drivers’ colony and we hope to attract some new stables.

Stall applications can be found by visiting the Tioga Downs website at www.tiogadowns.com/racinginfo.php.