Dropping in class but facing similar company, last week's Mares Open winner Prairie Westerngal returned to the Tioga Downs winner's circle on Friday (Sept. 9) after taking the evening's featured $11,500 fillies and mares pace.

Driven by Wally Hennessey, Prairie Westerngal ($3.60) led through fractions of :27, :56.1 and 1:24.2 with Alta Madeira N (Mike Merton) first to make a move as they headed to the final turn.  

As they reached the stretch, Prairie Westerngal had a short lead as So Diva (Mike Simons) snuck through on the inside and Abby Rose (Jim Taggert Jr.) came flying to make it three across.  Prairie Westerngal dug in and won in 1:52.2.  Abby Rose was second and So Diva finished third over Alta Madeira N. 

Prairie Westerngal is a six-year-old mare by Western Ideal.  She is owned by Patricia Fritz, Joel Warner and trainer Mike Deters.  The win was her fifth this season from 20 starts and she now has 27 career wins. 

Hennessey had the hot hands on Friday night, also scoring wins with Abuelita Hanover ($3.20), Prairie Merida ($21) and Lilybet ($5.50). 

Live harness racing resumes at Tioga Downs on Saturday, featuring the New York Sire Stakes Day of Champions.  Eight divisions race for a combined $1.6 million in purses. The 10-race card starts at 1 p.m. The normal night time card, featuring 10 races, starts at 6:15 p.m. 

(With files from Tioga Downs)