Vernon Downs is set to begin their 65th year of
racing on Friday (April 20) with a new post time of 6:10 pm.
Opening night will feature a t-shirt and schedule magnet
giveaway. Also the popular “That’s My Driver” promotion. Five
entries will be randomly selected following Race 2. All will have a
chance to win up to $140.
Highlights for the season include “Derby Day” featuring the
live showing of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday (May 5) with a special post time
of 4:30 pm. Memorial Day (May 28) features The Empire Classic
Finals for both 3-year-old filly trotters and 3-year-old trotting
colts. Each Final is racing for a purse of $250,000 est. with a post time
of 1:05 pm. The Zweig Memorial races will take place on Friday (August
17) featuring the Zweig 3-year-old Colt Trot ($370,000 est.) and 3-year-old
Fillies Trot ($150,000 est.).
The Million Dollar Ball Drop will take place on Saturday
(August 18). The Horseplay Car Giveaway featuring a 2017 Ford Fiesta will
be on Saturday (September 1).
John MacDonald will attempt to defend driving and training
titles he won in 2017.
MacDonald was top driver in 2017 with 185 wins on the season
and top trainer with 57 wins on the year. He was also the owner and
trainer of Oh My Joepa, who won horse of the year honors with nine wins.
The 11 race card for Friday will feature Leg one of the
Robert E. Keller Trotting Series. A live bugler will be on hand for the
festivities as well.
For more information go to www.vernondowms.com
