“TIOGA DOWNS CONCLUDES SEASON WITH
INCREASES IN HANDLE”
Live and Export Figures Both Show Gains
The live wagering handle (money wagered on-track on live
races) increased by 2.5 percent while the export handle (money wagered on live
races at off-track facilities) increased by 3 percent.
“We are very pleased with these positive business results
and believe they reflect our continued commitment to a high quality live racing
product,” said Jason M. Settlemoir, Vice President of Racing and Simulcast. “We
believe our aggressive marketing and promotion has been well received by our
on-track guests and our lucrative stakes schedule and competitive overnight
racing positions us well in the simulcast market.”
The seventh season of live racing at Tioga Downs ended on a
high note with more than 4,000 fans in attendance on Closing Night.
One of those fans, Pennie Merrick of nearby Chenango Forks,
drove off in a 2012 Toyota Yaris as the grand prize winner of the season long
Horseplay Car Giveaway. The promotion raised more than $7,000 for local
charities.
“Justin Horowitz took over our marketing and promotions
department in the middle of the season and far exceeded my expectations,” said
Settlemoir. “It’s a very demanding position under any circumstances and he
contributed to our successful 2012 racing season.”
Another highlight during the final stretch of the season
included Dynamic Youth’s thrilling photo finish victory in the Cane Pace,
opening leg of Pacing’s Triple Crown. The historic race was held at Tioga Downs
for the first time.
Jimmy Marohn, Jr. was the meet’s leading driver for the
second time while the nation’s leading trainer, Ron Burke, topped the Tioga
Downs trainer’s standings for the first time.
