Ross to be first parade marshal in
harness racing to receive own bobblehead
NICHOLS, NY (May 2014) – Two of the
biggest stars of racing at Tioga Downs will be honored this weekend and neither
has ever won a race at the Nichols, NY oval.
Parade marshal Wendy Ross and her
longtime sidekick, Floyd, will be commemorated with their own bobblehead doll.
Fans will receive a bobblehead free while supplies last on a special Sunday
night of racing that begins at 6:15 p.m. Wendy and Floyd will also meet their
legions of fans during a meet-and-greet and autograph session during the races.
The idea to make Wendy the first
parade marshal with her own bobblehead was first conceived by Guy Howard,
president of the Southern Tier Harness Horsemen’s Association and a tireless
promoter of racing in partnership with Tioga Downs management.
“Wendy and Floyd are two of the most
recognizable people at Tioga Downs and we wanted to honor them,” said Guy
Howard. “We think our fans, especially the younger ones, will love this.”
Ross, who has worked as the Tioga Downs marshal and outrider
since the track opened in 2006, is humbled by the recognition.
“I'm very honored and appreciative of the gesture from my
fellow horsemen and Jeff Gural,” said Wendy Ross. “I'm very blessed to have a
horse like Floyd and to call Tioga Downs and the Meadowlands my home. “Outriders
are very underrated and it is one of the toughest jobs at
the track and in harness racing. I’m so
proud to represent my fellow marshals and to have the job acknowledged.”
