Tioga Downs will commence its 2019 season on Saturday (May 4) with a nine-race card and a special post time of 5:30 p.m.
Mike Merton, Tioga’s leading driver of 2018 top driver (82 wins) will return to defend his title. Jim Taggart Jr. was second in 2018 with 62 trips to the winner’s circle. Aaron Byron was third best a season ago with 59 wins. Jim Meittinis was fourth with 56 victories. Mike Simons was fifth in the standings with 47 wins.
Gary Messenger was top dog in the trainer standings in 2018 with 40 wins. Mike Deters was second with 35 tallies. Patty Harmon (26), Joe Skowyra (25) and Gaston Lareau (19) rounded out the top five.
Tioga Downs will kick off its 14th season on Saturday with ‘Derby Day.’ The celebration will include a derby-hat contest, t-shirt and magnet giveaways as well as a live bugler.
The day will also include a chance for two contestants to get a $500 ‘dream bet’ (they will be able to bet $500 to win on any horse in the 2019 Kentucky Derby). They will get to keep any winnings.
The evening will end with a large fireworks display.
(With files from Tioga Downs)