Racing will soon return to central New York’s ‘Miracle Mile,’ as Vernon Downs readies for an 84-date season which is slated to begin on Friday, April 22.

As in seasons past, top trotters from across North America will visit Vernon Downs through the summer of 2016, as the Zweig Memorial for three-year-old trotters will be contested in July. Likewise, the Crawford Farms and Muscle Hill trotting events for top older trotters are slated for August. In addition to the top-tier Grand Circuit stakes, New York-sired two and three-year-olds will visit the Miracle Mile for a full slate of New York Sire Stakes events through the summer, including Empire Breeders Classic events for three-year-old trotters. Locally-based young horses are availed a pair of late-closing events in the opening weeks of the season, as well.

The 2016 meet will carry a standard first-race post time of 6:45 p.m., and returns to a Thursday-through-Saturday schedule (along the lines of the 2014 meet) due to run through Saturday, November 5.

As in seasons past, fans on-track will be greeted by a wide variety of promotions, including the always popular ‘Change Your Luck’ drawings and ‘Horseplay Car Giveaway.’ The Vernon Downs Simulcast Network has undergone a winter makeover, and will seek to prove more bettor-friendly for players on and off-track alike.

Horsepeople are reminded that nomination blanks for the Catherine Burton and Anthony Farina late-closing series are due Friday, April 1.

Further information about the 2016 season at Vernon Downs is available at vernondowns.com.

(Vernon Downs)