by James Witherite,
Vernon Downs racing media
Vernon, NY -- Vernon
Downs opens the curtain on their 2015 live harness racing season later this
week, as Friday, April 17 marks the first of 90 programs over the critically
acclaimed 7/8-mile stonedust track.
"We're excited to
kick off another season of harness racing at the home of the Miracle
Mile," said Jason M. Settlemoir, Vice President of Racing at Vernon Downs.
"It's been a long winter, but we're ready for the upcoming meet,
featuring world-class stakes races, the New York Sire Stakes, and a slew of fun
promotions for our loyal fans."
Fans will be welcomed
back to the home of the Miracle Mile with race date magnets and T-shirts given
away at the main entrance beginning at 5:45 p.m. (while supplies last).
Fans will also be able to meet their favorite Vernon Downs drivers before the
races. During the races, six lucky fans will be selected to win a $50
wager on the house, and after the last race, all are invited to enjoy a
spectacular fireworks display.
The first Horseplay
Car Giveaway finalist will be chosen on opening night as well (weather
permitting), as the popular season-long contest returns with a Volkswagen Jetta
on the line. Fans can earn entries every live race night through Monday,
September 7, when one lucky winner will drive away with the new car.
Later in the season,
Vernon Downs will again host the trotting divisions of the Empire Breeders
Classic (June 21), along with a number of top trotting and distaff events.
Stakes action continues with the Zweig Memorial Trot (for three-year-olds)
slated for July 26, while the August 21 card boasts a trio of top events—the
Crawford Farms Trot, the Muscle Hill Mares Trot, and the Artiscape Open Mare
Pace. As the weather cools down, Vernon Downs will once again host the
New York Sire Stakes Excelsior Series finals on September 19, the Simpson
Stakes for two-year-olds on October 16, and the Kindergarten Classic trotting
finals on October 31. As last year’s major open stakes were won by Dan
Patch champions Father Patrick, Shake It Cerry, Sebastian K, and Rocklamation,
the Miracle Mile is sure to once again host a number of present and future
world champions throughout the year.
Additionally, Vernon
Downs will play host to a full complement of New York Sire Stakes preliminary
events for two- and three-year-old pacers and trotters.
Post time for the
opening night program is slated for 6:45 p.m. EDT. Racing will take place
on Friday and Saturday evenings through closing night, November 21, with Sunday
afternoon cards added from mid-May through the end of August and Wednesday
evening cards added in September and October. For a complete schedule,
visit vernondowns.com/racing.
