Tioga Downs will kick off its 18th season of live harness racing on the customary opening date of Kentucky Derby Day, which falls on May 6 in 2023.

The live racing meet includes a total of 59 dates, racing Friday and Saturday evenings at 6:15 p.m., and Sunday afternoons at 1 p.m. 

Purses for the upcoming meet will rise approximately 10 per cent this season over last, which translates to racing in overnights for a total of around $220,000 per weekend.

Some new ideas are being incorporated into the meet, including a few Late Closers with attractive purses.

"Racing at Tioga Downs means summertime to me," said Jason Settlemoir, Tioga's Vice-President of Racing. "It's a wonderful place to race and great for fans to have fun and enjoy all that goes on there. Hopefully the purse bump will attract a few new faces and make for competitive racing this season."

For more information, visit the track's website or call the Racing Office at 607-699-7688. 

(With files from Tioga Downs)