This past Sunday evening’s race card at Vernon Downs, headlined by the opening round of the All-Star Drivers’ Championship and Zweig Memorial Trot, produced the track’s highest single-card wagering handle since 2009.

The total handle, including on-track and off-track simulcast locations, totaled $313,690, the track’s highest figure since hosting the New York Sire Stakes Night of Champions in September of 2009. It also represents a nearly 20 per cent increase over last year’s Drivers’ Championship and Zweig Memorial Trot card.

“We worked extremely hard to promote one of our signature nights of the season and we’re pleased to see how well received it was by horseplayers nationwide,” said Scott Warren, the track's director of Racing. “By racing the card in the evening, we were able to get our simulcast signal distributed in California and a loaded on-track promotional schedule delivered the type of family-friendly event we strive to produce.”

Hambletonian champion Royalty For Life cruised to victory in the $360,000 Zweig Memorial over a star-studded field of trotters and continued his magical season for Vernon Downs-based trainer George Ducharme.

Vernon Downs resumes racing with a four-day holiday schedule. Live racing takes place Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 6:45 p.m. and a special Labour Day matinee on Monday starting at 1:15 p.m.

(Vernon)