As the weekend quickly approaches, Tioga Downs in Nichols is getting ready for its opening day of harness racing. The Downs’ opening day coincides with Kentucky Derby Day, and regional racing marketing manager at Tioga Downs, Justin Horowitz, told the WEBO Morning Show that they are getting ready for an exciting day, with fan favorites like the Kentucky Derby hat contest. A new promotion is coming to opening day this year, which will allow one person to bet $1,000 of Tioga Downs’ money on any horse in the Kentucky Derby, and they keep all the winnings. Four different local bands will be performing live music throughout the weekend, a special Kentucky Derby-inspired buffet will be available, and it all wraps up Saturday night with a fireworks show starting around 10 o’clock. Post time for the first race at Tioga Downs on Saturday is set for 5 o’clock.
