Vernon Downs is set to begin its 71st year of racing on Saturday, April 20.

Post time for Opening Night is 6:05 p.m. with a t-shirt giveaway after the third race. As the only seven-eighths-mile track in New York, Vernon Downs features exhilarating racing action and family friendly entertainment.

In 2023, John MacDonald cruised to the top of the driver standings. Last year’s leading trainer was Michelle Warner. Both will be returning to
defend their titles.

On Saturday, May 4, Vernon Downs will simulcast the 150 th Kentucky Derby. Guests can participate in the $1,300 Win and Wager promotion and enjoy mint julep specials as the Kentucky Derby will appear on televisions around the facility.
 
Vernon Downs will host a bevy of stakes races including eight New York Sire Stakes cards featuring the top trainers and drivers in the sport. On June 14, the three-year-old filly trotters and three-year-old trotting colts will take center stage in the $500,000 USD Empire Breeders Classic. Then on July 4, Vernon Downs will once again play host to the $600,000 USD Zweig Memorial. To close out the season’s stakes action, the New York Sire Stakes Excelsior Series finals will take place on Sept. 13.  

Vernon Downs' promotions include reoccurring giveaways such as the popular Summer Sizzler, Meat Madness and Back to School gift cards. The Easy As 1-2-3 promotion features discounted food and drink specials. On July 4, a spectacular fireworks show will follow the races. New this season, the track will host an appearance from The Amazing Tyler and the RC Derby, a remote-controlled demolition derby taking place on Saturdays in August. The always popular Horse Play Car Giveaway starts  on May 10 and runs until Oct. 5.  

Live harness racing takes place from April through November and entry to the track is free every race day.

Individuals must be 18 years of age to wager on horses and participate in promotions and giveaways. For post time information, promotion rules and the full 2024 live racing calendar, visit vernondowns.com/racing.

(With files from Vernon Downs)