Vernon Downs will open the curtain on its 2015 live harness racing season later this week, as Friday, April 17 will mark the first of 90 programs at the raceway.

"We're excited to kick off another season of harness racing at the home of the ‘Miracle Mile,’" said Jason M. Settlemoir, vice president of racing at Vernon Downs. "It's been a long winter, but we're ready for the upcoming meet, featuring world-class stakes races, the New York Sire Stakes, and a slew of fun promotions for our loyal fans."

Fans will be welcomed back to the home of the Miracle Mile with race date magnets and T-shirts given away at the main entrance beginning at 5:45 p.m. (while supplies last). Fans will also be able to meet their favourite Vernon Downs drivers before the races. During the races, six lucky fans will be selected to win a $50 wager on the house, and after the last race, all are invited to enjoy a spectacular fireworks display.

The first Horseplay Car Giveaway finalist will be chosen on opening night as well (weather permitting), as the popular season-long contest returns with a Volkswagen Jetta on the line. Fans can earn entries every live race night through Monday, September 7, when one lucky winner will drive away with the new car.

Later in the season, Vernon Downs will again host the trotting divisions of the Empire Breeders Classic (June 21), along with a number of top trotting and distaff events. Stakes action continues with the Zweig Memorial Trot (for three-year-olds) slated for July 26, while the August 21 card boasts a trio of top events – the Crawford Farms Trot, the Muscle Hill Mares Trot, and the Artiscape Open Mare Pace. As the weather cools down, Vernon Downs will once again host the New York Sire Stakes Excelsior Series finals on September 19, the Simpson Stakes for two-year-olds on October 16, and the Kindergarten Classic trotting finals on October 31. As last year’s major open stakes were won by Dan Patch champions Father Patrick, Shake It Cerry, Sebastian K, and Rocklamation, the Miracle Mile is sure to once again host a number of present and future world champions throughout the year.

Additionally, Vernon Downs will play host to a full complement of NYSS preliminary events for two and three-year-old pacers and trotters.

First-race post time on the opening-night program is slated for 6:45 p.m. EDT. Racing will take place on Friday and Saturday evenings through closing night, November 21, with Sunday afternoon cards added from mid-May through the end of August and Wednesday evening cards added in September and October. For a complete schedule, visit vernondowns.com/racing.

(Vernon Downs)