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Sunday, May 9, 2021

Prairie Westerngal captures Tioga feature

Prairie Westerngal (Wally Hennessey) hangs on to win the $9,000 Fillies and Mares Open Pace at Tioga Downs on Saturday (May 8). 

Prairie Westergal ($4.40) went straight to the front and led to the first quarter in :27.1.  She slowed down the pace with a second quarter in :30 to hit the half in :57.1.  Arnie’s Angel (Jim Meittinis) came first-up and pressured her all the way down the backstretch.  Prairie Westerngal fought her off and led to three-quarters in 1:24.2. 

As they made the turn for Theyhome Persistent Bettor (Jody Jamieson) popped out of the pocket and came after her.  Alii Nui (Marcus Miller) squeezed in at the rail.  They were three across the track but Prairie Westerngal dug in and held on to win in 1:52.4.  Persistent Bettor had to settle for second. Alii Nui finished third. 

Prairie Westerngal is a 5-year-old mare by Western Ideal.  She is owned by Laurie Poulin, Fritz Racing and trainer Mike Deters.  It was her fourth win in 2021.  She now has 17 career victories. 

Hennessey had three wins on the card.  He teamed up with Deters again to win with Chart Topper ($18.00).  His final win was with Olympic Glory ($3.40). 

Tioga Downs returns to Live racing on Sunday (May 9) with an 11-race card starting at 1:00 p.m. 

For more information go to www.tiogadowns.com.