Tioga Downs and the Binghamton Mets are joining forces for a first-of-its-kind promotion. On June 4, in their game against the Trenton Thunder, the B-Mets will wear jerseys inspired by the uniform colours of harness racing star Yannick Gingras.
In addition, Gingras is scheduled to take the mound and throw out the ceremonial first pitch at 6:35 p.m.
“This is such a great honour for me to see my colours on the field at a professional baseball game,” said Yannick Gingras. “I’m excited to be part of this promotion and hopefully we can expose new fans to the great sport of harness racing.”
The horses that Gingras drove earned more than $13.7 million in 2012, ranking him second nationally. He currently is the leading driver at The Meadowlands Racetrack in New Jersey.
On June 9, the jerseys worn at the baseball game will be auctioned off during live racing at Tioga Downs with all proceeds benefitting local charities. In addition, fans at Tioga Downs will receive a replica version of the jerseys free while supplies last.
June 9 is also a top-class day of racing featuring the $200,000 Roll With Joe and $200,000 Artiscape. Gingras is expected to be at Tioga Downs to drive major contenders in both races. Racing begins at 1:30 p.m.
“We’re really looking forward to this cross-promotion with the B-Mets and we hope it’ll help create new fans of both sports,” said Justin Horowitz, Regional Racing Marketing Manager at Tioga Downs.