According to track officials, legislation to restore tax relief to Vernon Downs casino has passed the N.Y. Senate — now awaiting Governor Hochul's expected signature — and the track shall remain open for stabling and racing.

Owner Jeff Gural was pleased to be able to continue operating.

"The only reason I bought Vernon from bankruptcy when it was closed was the seven-eighths mile track, which I felt was important to the New York Sire Stakes and those who breed horses [mainly the trotters] for the program, of which I am one," said Gural. 

"It's very important to me that the people who work at Vernon can keep their jobs. The tax relief makes it viable to stay open, even though it continues to lose money, it is manageable and I'll eat the losses and keep going."

Vernon Downs, now in its 70th season of operation, is currently racing Friday and Saturday evenings and will continue through Nov. 18.

(Vernon)