Prairie Panther and driver Ridge Warren won the $11,000 Open II Handicap Pace at Tioga Downs on Sunday afternoon.
Tuggin On My Heart (Aaron Byron) led the field through fractions of :26.3, :55.3 and 1:23.3 while Warren made his move with Prairie Panther going first-over down the backstretch. As they made the turn for home, Prairie Panther took over the lead and had to brace for the late charge from second place-finisher Son Of A Tiger (Mike Merton) and third-place finisher Rifleman (Brandon Parker). Prairie Panther was too strong though and scored in 1:52 flat, paying $7.90 to win as the 3-1 favourite.
Prairie Panther is a nine-year-old gelding by Royel Millennium. He is owned by trainer Mike Deters and Joel Warner. The win was his third this season from 14 starts and the 65th victory of his career.
An accident occurred two races later in the $14,000 ninth race for Open trotters, resulting in a No Contest with wagers refunded. Creekside Pete, driven by Corey Baden, appeared to run into the leading Golden Kronos from behind in the first turn sending his driver, Wally Hennessey, to the track and scattering the rest of the field. The race was called off from that point, with the outrider corralling the loose horse. An update on Hennessey was not immediately available from Tioga Downs.
(With files from Tioga Downs)