Tioga Downs and the Southern Tier Harness Horsemen's Association (STHHA) have agreed to terms for a five-year contract, including a new Stabling Incentive Program, through the 2020 racing season.

“We hope the Stabling Incentive Program will give horsemen another incentive to stable at Tioga Downs,” said Guy Howard, President of the Southern Tier Harness Horsemen’s Association.

Any horse stabled on-course or at a local training facility approved by the STHHA will be eligible to receive purse bonuses beginning with its fourth Tioga Downs start provided that the horse's owner and trainer are in good standing and members of the STHHA. A bonus of 15 percent of a given horse's earnings in overnight races (stakes and late closers excluded) will be paid to owners, and 5 percent to trainers. This bonus will be distributed biweekly.

“With this program, we are looking to reward the horsemen who spend our summers with us,” remarked Jason Bluhm, Director of Racing at Tioga Downs. “These are the guys who have been with us for many years, and they work very hard with us to put the best racing product possible on the track."

Tioga Downs will kick off their eleventh season of harness racing in May of 2016.

(with files from Tioga)