Vernon Downs is set to begin their 68th year of racing on Saturday (April 17).

Vernon Downs will feature the Empire Breeders Classic (EBC) with separate races for both three-year-old filly trotters and three-year-old trotting colts on Friday, June 18. Vernon Downs is also proud to once again play host to the Zweig Memorial races for three-year-old trotters on Saturday, Aug. 28. On Saturday, Sept. 11, Vernon will present the New York State Excelsior Finals for two- and three-year-olds.

Leon Bailey, defending driving champion, will tangle with former driving champions John MacDonald and Jimmy Whittemore throughout the upcoming season. These three and other great drivers should make it exciting as they all vie for the 2021 title.

Kerin Warner took top training honours at the Miracle Mile in 2020. Former training champion Marissa Chadbourne returns along with other top contenders like Claude Huckabone III and newcomer Brandy Wine.

Live racing will continue through Nov. 6. Post time will be 6:10 p.m. every night with the exception of Kentucky Derby Day (May 1), which will start at 4:30 p.m.

The Miracle Mile will also offer four new awards for 2021: the Winning Wheels Driver of the Week, the Black Stallion Trainer of the Week, the Bourbon Express Groom of the Week, and the Golden Gro Long Shot of the Month.

The Opening Night card will be contested without fans in attendance. However, starting next Friday (April 23), fans will be permitted at Vernon Downs. More details will be released next week.

For more information, go to www.vernondowns.com.

(Vernon Downs)