by Dustin Ross, regional racing operations manager, Tioga/Vernon Downs

Nichols, NY — Vernon Downs and Tioga Downs are gearing up for their National Harness Handicapping qualifying championships.

Vernon Downs will be the first on the schedule, which will be held on Saturday, March 28, starting at 6:00 p.m. The format for the handicapping championship will be the first five races from The Meadowlands and races six through ten from Yonkers Raceway.

First place for the championship will receive entry into the National Harness Handicapping Championship, hotel accommodations, and fuel reimbursement. Second place will receive a $200 betting voucher, and the third place finisher will receive a $100 betting voucher.

Contestants will be asked to simply pick the winner of each of the ten races for that night. In the case of a tie, the winner will be based off of a $2 win payoff for all of their winners that evening.

Tioga Downs will feature the same format and rules as Vernon Downs, but will hold their qualifying contest on Saturday, April 4.

To register for either Handicapping Contest please call Patrick Coleman at 607.699.7651.

For more information please visit us on our Web sites at www.tiogadowns.com and www.vernondowns.com.