Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs will host under saddle exhibition races in September as part of the Cane Pace Final card on Monday, September 3 at Tioga Downs, and part of the End of Summer Showdown at Vernon Downs on September 7.

Under saddle racing has been on the rise in popularity this year with an exhibition being staged at the Meadowlands on Hambletonian Day. The exhibition races will take place during the race card and will be non-wagering events.

“It is very refreshing to see all the interest in this 'new' aspect of harness racing," said Helene Gregory, who has been leading the charge to help revive under saddle racing in harness racing.

“I am currently working with a group of riders and other Monte fans on a totally new RUS/Monte organization and also working with racetracks and racing jurisdictions to get this new racing style approved and ultimately become a betting product," said Gregory. "We have the support of many leading harness profiles, standardbred breeders, track owners, horse owners, drivers, lawyers, trainers, you name it. Everyone wants to see more of racing under saddle.”

The races are being sponsored by Tioga Downs and the Southern Tier Harness Horsemen’s Association at Tioga, and Vernon Downs and the HHA of CNY at Vernon Downs.

First-race post time on Monday, September 3 at Tioga Downs is slated for 1:30 p.m., while the End of Summer Showdown on Friday, September 7 will have a 6:55 p.m. first-race post time.

(Tioga/Vernon)