Harness Racing Could Resume at Tioga Downs Soon

Harness racing may be back in the region in a few days as New York starts to ease the coronavirus pandemic restrictions on sporting events. 

Tioga Downs is looking at the possibility of resuming racing without fans in the stands around June 1 with people still being able to place wagers should Standardbred Horse racing be cleared to start back up. 

The slots and casino games will still be idle as casinos are not scheduled to open until phase four of New York State’s plans to restart the economy.

The pandemic shutdown is delivering a blow to thousands of businesses including the gaming industry and the racing portion of the industry has the added burden in that the horses still need to be cared for and training continued to keep the animal athletes in racing condition.

Churchill Downs held its first thoroughbred race without fans in Kentucky last weekend.

Harness racing serves as only a small portion of income for gaming facilities like Tioga Downs in New York State.