Live harness racing will make its return to upstate New York this spring with Tioga Downs preparing to kick off the 2021 season on Saturday, May 1. Racing will follow a Friday and Saturday evening, Sunday matinee schedule covering 59 dates until September 25.

"With the casino operational and revenue projected to return to pre-COVID levels, the purses for the 2021 season will be close to the 2019 levels," said the track in a press release. "It is our hope that live attendance and on-site wagering will be permitted during the racing."

Tioga also advised that the Southern Tier Harness Horseman's Association (STHHA) plans to reinstate the stabling incentive program.

Tioga Downs offers stabling at no cost to horsemen and the stall/racing applications are currently available on the web. Forms should be completed in full, signed and returned by March 25.

Questions may be directed to Racing Operations Manager Brett Risi at (607) 699-7688 or STHHA President Guy Howard at (607) 765-7168.

(Tioga)