Closing night for the 2017 season was highlighted by New York Sire Stakes divisions for sophomore pacing colts and geldings at Tioga Downs on Saturday, September 16.
In the first division, Henry Hill caught the favourite Outkast Blue Chip in the stretch for the victory.
Ideal Wheel charged out to the lead, going a quarter in :26.1. Outkast Blue Chip then brushed to the lead before the half and controlled through splits of :54.2 and 1:22.0.
Henry Hill went first over and took control at the top of the stretch. Owned by Tom Hill and trained by Tony Alagna, the three-year-old battled Outkast Blue Chip through the stretch to win by a head in a lifetime-best of 1:50.1. Outrajus Blue Chip finished third.
Henry Hill, who didn't race as a two-year-old, won for the third time in four starts. Driven by Marcus Miller, the son of Roll With Joe returned $6.80 to win.
In the second division, Cultural Paradise popped out of the pocket to win.
Pointomygranson set an uncontested pace of :27.1, :56.0, 1:23.1, Cultural Paradise rode in the pocket all the way until the stretch. Owned by Bradley Grant and trained by Larry Remmen, the three-year-old surged to the front and just got by Pointomygranson to win in a lifetime-best of 1:51.3. Serious Major finished third.
Cutural Paradise, paying $5.60 to win, won for the sixth time this season and notched the ninth victory of his career.
Fireworks followed the live racing. Tioga Downs wants to thank all the horsemen and fans for a great 2017 season.
(With files from Tioga Downs)