Tioga Downs saw an increase in live wagering handle and export handle during its recently concluded live racing season.
The live wagering handle (money wagered on-track on live races) increased by 2.5 percent while the export handle (money wagered on live races at off-track facilities) increased by 3 percent.
“We are very pleased with these positive business results and believe they reflect our continued commitment to a high quality live racing product,” said Jason M. Settlemoir, Vice President of Racing and Simulcast. “We believe our aggressive marketing and promotion has been well received by our on-track guests and our lucrative stakes schedule and competitive overnight racing positions us well in the simulcast market.”
The seventh season of live racing at Tioga Downs ended on a high note with more than 4,000 fans in attendance on closing night.
One of those fans, Pennie Merrick of nearby Chenango Forks, drove off in a 2012 Toyota Yaris as the grand prize winner of the season long Horseplay Car Giveaway. The promotion raised more than $7,000 for local charities.
“Justin Horowitz took over our marketing and promotions department in the middle of the season and far exceeded my expectations,” said Settlemoir. “It’s a very demanding position under any circumstances and he contributed to our successful 2012 racing season.”
Another highlight during the final stretch of the season included Dynamic Youth’s thrilling photo finish victory in the Cane Pace, opening leg of Pacing’s Triple Crown. The historic race was held at Tioga Downs for the first time.
Jimmy Marohn, Jr. was the meet’s leading driver for the second time while the nation’s leading trainer, Ron Burke, topped the Tioga Downs trainer’s standings for the first time.
(Tioga Downs)