Trainer Mike Deters scores Grand Slam at Tioga

Harness racing trainer Mike Deters trained four winners on the card including the featured $11,500 fillies & mares’ pace with Prairie Westerngal (Western Ideal) and driver Wally Hennessey at Tioga Downs on Friday (September 16).

Prairie Westerngal ($3.10) went to the front early, but Alta Madeira N (Michael Merton) took control just before hitting the first quarter first in :26.2.  So Amazing (Denny Bucceri) came first-over to challenge as they went by the stands for the first time.  Alta Madeira N was first to the half :54.1.  Abby Rose (Jim Taggart Jr.) used a burst of speed and went three-wide down the backstretch and led to three-quarters in 1:22.2.

As they made the turn for home Prairie Westerngal made her move and edged on by to win in 1:52.0.  Abby Rose had to settle for second.  Georgie Martin (Brandon Parker) finished third.

Prairie Westerngal is a six-year-old mare is owned by Patricia Fritz, Joel Warner, and Deters. It was her sixth win of the season.  She now has 28 career victories.

PRAIRIE WESTERNGAL REPLAY

Deters and Hennessey also combined for wins with Eileen’s Wish ($8.40), and Donegalartchokin N ($6.70).  Deters other win came with Anchors Away ($4.20).  Deters now leads Patti Harmon for the training title with 43 wins to her 42 wins with three cards left in the season.

Tioga Downs returns to Live racing on Saturday (September 17) starting at 3 p.m.

For complete race results, click here.

by John Horne, for Tioga Downs