Officials with Vernon Downs announced on Thursday, April 23 that the scheduled Empire Breeders Classic (EBC) trotting stakes have been postponed.
A release from the track explains that New York Governor Cuomo's extension of the ‘NYS on PAUSE’ order until May 15 will cause the postponement of Vernon’s EBC trots until a new dates for the stakes are determined. The eliminations and finals of Vernon’s EBC trots had been scheduled for May 15 and May 25, respectively.
The release goes on to explain that the extension of Gov. Cuomo’s order will also affect the opening of the Tioga and Vernon casinos, and thus delaying the start of live racing at both properties until the order is lifted.
Governor Cuomo has been quoted as considering permitting the re-opening of businesses in the less populated regions of New York State first. It is Tioga and Vernon’s hope that that plan would permit the facilities’ casinos to open and thus allow the tracks to prepare for racing.
Officials with Tioga and Vernon have stated that any developments will be communicated as soon as there is anything to report.
(With files from Vernon Downs)