Vernon Downs is set to begin its 72nd anniversary of racing on Saturday, April 19. As the only seven-eighths mile track in New York, Vernon Downs features exhilarating racing action and family friendly entertainment.
Post time for Opening Night is 5:05 p.m. and features a t-shirt giveaway after the third race.
In 2024, “Lightning” Leon Bailey cruised to the top of the driver standings with a career-best 166 wins. Last year’s leading trainer was Jessica Okusko. Both will be returning to defend their titles.
On Saturday, May 3, Vernon Downs will simulcast the 151st Kentucky Derby from Churchill Downs. Guests can participate in the $800 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 13, 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 3, Vernon Downs once again plays host to the $500,000 USD Zweig Memorial, which annually features the best Grand Circuit sophomore trotters on the road to the $1 million USD Hambletonian on Aug. 2 at The Meadowlands. To close out the season’s stakes action, the inaugural New York Sire Stakes Big Apple for state-bred freshmen will offer $1 million USD in purses. Elimination races are set for Saturday, Oct. 4 with a $250,000 USD final for each division of trotters and pacers on Oct. 11.
Vernon Downs will offer numerous promotions throughout the season. Reoccurring giveaways include the popular Summer Sizzler, Meat Madness and Back to School gift cards. The Easy As 1-2-3 promotions features discounted food and drink specials. On July 3, a spectacular fireworks show will follow the races. “Corntasic weekend” will take place Aug. 15-16 featuring free locally grown corn. The always-popular Horse Play Car Giveaway starts May 9 and runs until Oct. 18.
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/giveaways.
For post time information, promotions rules and full 2025 live racing calendar, visit the Vernon Downs website at vernondowns.com.
(With files from Vernon Downs)