Vernon Downs recently concluded its 58th season of live racing with impressive increases in wagering handle, bucking nationwide trends

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Live on-track handle increased four per cent over 2010, while export handle went up a staggering 35 per cent.

“We’re very pleased with the successful 2011 meet and would like to thank our customers and horsemen for their support throughout the year,” said Regional Vice President of Racing and Simulcast Jason Settlemoir. “Our substantial increase in live and export handle shows the continued growth of a quality racing product that has been well-received both on track and throughout North American simulcast facilities and advanced deposit wagering platforms.”

Racing secretary Scott Warren was instrumental in putting together full, competitive races throughout the 90-day season, his first at the Central New York oval.

An track record performance by San Pail in the $218,000 Credit Winner Open Trot topped the list of impressive stakes performances during the meet. The seven-year-old, likely Horse of the Year, posted a 1:51.1 win over former champion Lucky Jim for co-owner/trainer Rod Hughes and partner Glenn Van Camp.

Other stakes highlights of the season included a track record win by See You At Peelers, her 19th straight win during her much-celebrated 22-race winning streak.

Kenneth Sommer’s Action Broadway won the meet’s premier mare trot, the Muscle Hill, in 1:54.2. Gym Tan Laundry broke the track record for two-year-old trotting geldings with his 1:55.3 score in the $200,500 Kindergarten Classic for the Adam Victor & Son Stable --- Lady Andi took the $182,500 filly division in 1:57.3 for trainer Larry Rathbone.

Racing will return to Vernon Downs in April 2012, pending regulatory approval.

(Vernon Downs)