Canada Day and Independence Day are creeping up on us very quickly. Residents both north and south of the border will be proudly celebrating their country's heritage. You probably haven't heard of this one, but 'Trainer Appreciation Day' is also coming up soon.
Officials with Tioga and Vernon Downs have announced that the racing schedule at both tracks will change for the upcoming ‘Fourth of July’ holiday week.
Tioga has picked up an extra live date on the evening (6:50PM) of Wednesday, July 4, and the card has been designated Trainer Appreciation Day. First-race post time will be 6:50 p.m.
On Trainer Appreciation Day, the conditioner of the official winner of each race on the program will be awarded a bonus of $500.
Another wrinkle is the addition of two short series; one for $4,000 claimers, the other for non-winners of $1,801 last five starts. Both will race in division for a $5,000 purse on July 4 with the top finishers racing for $10,000 in the final on Friday, July 13.
Vernon Downs will race on the evening of Tuesday, July 3 (6:55 p.m. first post) and will also play host to a matinee card at 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, July 4. Vernon will then continue with Wednesday evening racing throughout July & August.
(With files from Tioga/Vernon)