Vernon Downs will be opening its gates for its 70th season of live harness racing on Saturday, April 15.
Vernon Downs was the eighth racetrack to open in New York, beginning as a six-furlong oval with a quarter-mile chute, on July 1, 1953. Over the years, it has become known for hosting prestigious stakes races and drawing celebrities, like baseball’s Mickey Mantle and Whitey Ford, and some of the best equine names, such as Bret Hanover, Ring Eyed Pete, Nevele Pride, Albatross, Niatross, Moni Maker and Bunny Lake.
The racetrack will mark this milestone anniversary with celebrations honouring Vernon Down’s long-running legacy of fast-paced harness racing, ranging from a slate of competitive races on its seven-eighths mile oval to festive entertainment.
“Vernon Downs is a historic venue and we are thrilled to have the support of top local horsemen and fans as we kick off our 70th year!” said Arthur Wood, Assistant General Manager. “We’ve lined up some great promotions and hope our fans enjoy the Vernon Downs experience.”
Here is an overview of this season’s schedule of events:
- Saturday, April 15 – Opening Day: Fans will return for another season of racing on Opening Day, with first post at 6:05 p.m. Guests can grab food and drink deals, including $1 popcorn or fountain soda, $2 hot dog and $3 draft beer (16 ounces). The first 200 guests to check in at the promotions desk after Race 3 will receive a Vernon Downs golf umbrella.
- Saturday, May 6 – Kentucky Derby Day: While enjoying mint julep cocktails and delicious eats from food trucks, racegoers can view a live broadcast of the 2023 Kentucky Derby from the racetrack and participate in a $1,770 Derby Wager and Win Giveaway. Vernon Downs post time is 5:05 p.m.
- Friday, May 12 – Horse Play Car Giveaway: Guests can enter to win a 2023 Toyota Camry LE throughout live racing on Fridays and Saturdays. Vernon Downs is donating 100 per cent of the proceeds to the northeast region of the American Cancer Society. Tune in for the grand prize drawing during live racing on Oct. 7, 2023.
- Monday, May 29 – Special Memorial Day Races: Vernon Downs will host live racing, a mini horse race and American flag giveaway. Post time is 12:15 p.m.
- Friday, June 16 – Empire Breeders Classic Stakes: Vernon Downs will feature the Empire Breeders Classic with separate races for three-year-old filly trotters and three-year-old trotting colts, with a special post time of 12:15 p.m.
- Sunday, June 18 – Father’s Day and Corgi Dog Races: Guest can spend Father’s Day with the entire family as Vernon Downs features Standardbreds and the fastest Corgi’s in the area! First post 12:15 p.m.
- Saturday, July 1 – 70th Anniversary Racing Celebration: Vernon Downs will celebrate its 70th anniversary of racing with $70 gas gift card giveaways, t-shirt giveaway, food trucks and fireworks.
- Saturday, July 8 – Zweig Memorial Stakes: Vernon Downs will host the Zweig Memorial races featuring the three-year-old open trot and three-year-old filly trot divisions once again with a post time of 12:15 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday, Aug. 18-19 – Corntastic Weekend: On Friday, Aug. 18 and Saturday, Aug. 19, guests will receive a half dozen ears of fresh sweet corn while supplies last. A corn tossing contest will also highlight the weekend.
Live racing takes place from April through November and entry to the track is free every race day. Vernon Downs races on Friday and Saturday evenings at 6:05 p.m. This season, post time will be at 4 p.m. on Fridays through August. For more information about the 2023 racing season, promotions, all unique race dates and post times, visit VernonDowns.com.
(With files from Vernon Downs)