Tioga Downs is proud to announce that beginning with this year’s $450,000 (est.) Cane Pace, it will be the new host of the first leg of Pacing’s Triple Crown
.
Freehold Raceway and Tioga Downs’ management have worked out an agreement to move the prestigious race from New Jersey to New York for 2011 and 2012.
“We worked out a deal with Freehold to be the host track of this prestigious event for the next two years and we are extremely excited," said VP of Racing and Simulcast, Jason M. Settlemoir. "We would like to thank the Southern Tier Harness Horsemen’s Association for working with us to be able to host the Cane Pace and continue to promote our industry. The final will take place on closing night at Tioga Downs, which always draws a huge crowd and has a great atmosphere."
"Freehold has been a proud host of the Cane Pace since 1998. Unfortunately, due to expected purse payments from the NJSEA as part of our contract for Casino Purse Enhancement funds not being released, Freehold has been placed in a serious purse funding situation," said Penn Wood Racing President Christopher McErlean. "We appreciate Tioga's willingness to step in quickly to keep the Cane Pace going for the next two years."
The eliminations (if necessary) for the Cane Pace will take place on Saturday, September 3 with the final going postward on closing night at Tioga Downs, Saturday, September 10 (6:50 p.m. post time). Horses not eligible to the Cane Pace can supplement to the race with a $35,000 supplemental fee due at time of declaration. As part of the Pacing Triple Crown special supplemental declaration, a horse not eligible to the Little Brown Jug can still get in by one way only. The horse must win the Cane Pace (first leg of the pacing Triple Crown) and then pay a supplemental payment of $45,000 to be eligible.
In addition to the $450,000 (est.) Cane Pace, Tioga Downs will also host its counterpart, the $150,000 (est.) Shady Daisy for three-year-old pacing fillies on the night of the final (Saturday, September 10). Supplemental entries can be made to the Shady Daisy with a $7,500 payment due at time of declaration.
(With files from Tioga Downs)