The editorial board of New York’s state’s Oneida Dispatch, which has covered developments of the last decade at Vernon Downs, issued a highly favourable and optimistic report on the track today.
“For too many years,” the editorial reads, “this newspaper was filled with reports of major problems at Vernon Downs. The facility was in dangerous disrepair and its finances under a string of owners were even worse. The low point came with bankruptcy in 2004 and in 2005 the harness racing track never opened. But those dark days are over. Today, stories about Vernon Downs are good news. Under the management of American Racing & Entertainment -- and with more than a little help from its racino -- the track has been spruced up and placed on sound financial footing. Every year more events are added with the goal of drawing more people, especially families.”
It went on in similar vein, a tribute to top man Jeff Gural, who was vilified by horsemen just a few years ago.
To read the Oneida Dispatch article, click here.
(With files from Oneida Dispatch and Harness Tracks of America)