WNYHHA donates $2,500 to Tioga Downs fire victims

Batavia, NY — The Western New York Harness Horsemen’s Association has announced that the organization will be donating $2,500 to help the victims of the unscrupulous act of arson that killed 30 horses and devastated the harness racing horsemen and women stabled at Tioga Downs on Thursday (Nov. 9).

The WNYHHA will join the large number of associations, tracks and fellow horsemen across North America who have stepped up through GoFundMe and direct contributions to give their help and show their support for the affected individuals who are struggling with their loss, trying to recover financially and also move forward with their livelihoods.

Bruce Tubin, President of the WNYHHA said, “There is no bigger tragedy in our sport than a barn fire. We share the grief of our fellow horsemen and women and hope that through all the fundraising efforts, they can begin to rebuild.”

A number of horses and trainers involved in the fire raced at Batavia Downs and everyone there grieves along with them. Members of the WNYHHA gathered in the winner’s circle at the track last Saturday (Nov. 11) with a moment of silence and a recitation of the names of the fallen horses.

The harness racing community from coast to coast has come together over the past week with donations of cash, equipment and breedings for the benefit of the victims and through their efforts have shown how much those involved in harness racing care about their fellow participants.

by Tim Bojarski, for the Western New York Harness Horsemen’s Association