Swans Eye, driven by Jim Taggart Jr., claimed victory in the final night of racing at Tioga Downs on Saturday, Sept. 21, winning the $15,000 Open Trot.
Inaminute Hanover, with Marcus Miller, set the pace early, leading through the quarter in :27 and hitting the half in :56.2 with a :29.2 second quarter. Swans Eye ($13.40) made her move on the backstretch, challenging Inaminute Hanover, who narrowly held the lead at three-quarters in 1:24.3. As they battled down the stretch, second-place finisher Lava Field (Tyler Miller) surged three-wide, but Swans Eye dug in and secured the win in 1:54.1.
Swans Eye, a five-year-old mare by Swan For All, is owned by Vince Campolong and trained by Rocco Fava. The victory marked her third win of the season and her 14th career triumph.
Braxten Boyd clinched his first driving title at Tioga Downs, ending the season with 113 wins. Mike Merton followed in second with 86 victories, while Tyler Miller (73), Aaron Byron (62), and Ridge Warren (41) completed the top five.
Among trainers, Rob Harmon led the standings with 51 wins, with Jeff Cullipher in second with 43. Mike Deters (29), Erv Miller (26), and Kevin Reynolds Jr. (22) rounded out the top five.
Madam X earned the title of Pacer of the Year with eight wins, four seconds, and two-thirds from 15 starts. The three-year-old filly by Bettors Wish is owned by Pollack Racing and trained by Jeff Cullipher.
May Baby was named Trotter of the Year. The seven-year-old mare by Guccio, owned by Cheyenne Yoder and trained by Brandy Wine, secured five wins and three seconds in 12 starts.
Claiming Horse of the Year honours went to Spittin Chicklets, a six-year-old mare by Sportswriter. She had six wins, two seconds, and three-thirds from 13 starts, owned by Aaron Byron and trained by Jeff Byron.
Feelin American was recognized as the Amateur Horse of the Year after winning four of five amateur races this season. His survival from last year’s barn fire adds to his remarkable story.
Tioga Downs extends its gratitude to fans, horsepeople, and staff for a successful 2024 season.