by James Witherite, Tioga Downs racing
media
Nichols, N.Y. -- Tioga Downs and the
Southern Tier Harness Horsemen's Association have agreed to terms for a
five-year contract, including a new Stabling Incentive Program, through the
2020 racing season.
“We hope the Stabling Incentive Program
will give horsemen another incentive to stable at Tioga Downs,” said Guy
Howard, President of the Southern Tier Harness Horsemen’s Association.
Any horse stabled on-course or at a local
training facility approved by the STHHA will be eligible to receive purse bonuses
beginning with its fourth Tioga Downs start provided that the horse's owner and
trainer are in good standing and members of the STHHA. A bonus of 15% of
a given horse's earnings in overnight races (stakes and late closers excluded)
will be paid to owners, and 5% to trainers. This bonus will be
distributed biweekly.
“With this program, we are looking to
reward the horsemen who spend our summers with us,” remarked Jason Bluhm,
Director of Racing at Tioga Downs. “These are the guys who have been with
us for many years, and they work very hard with us to put the best racing
product possible on the track."
Tioga Downs will kick off their eleventh
season of harness racing in May of 2016. For more information on racing,
gaming, and entertainment at Tioga Downs, visit www.tiogadowns.com.
