Vernon Downs will celebrate its 70th anniversary on Saturday, July 1.
Seventy years ago this Saturday, Vernon Downs first opened its doors. The first race on opening night, July 1, 1953, was won by Bob Abbe II. He paid $38.60 to win on a $2 wager.
Vernon Downs will honour longtime race caller Jim Moran on Saturday with the first race in his name. Moran called races at Vernon for over 50 years before 83-year-old retired in 2014. After the first race this Saturday, Moran will be in the winner’s circle and talk about the track's history. He will then head inside and reminisce with fans while signing autographs.
The fourth race will be the Political Friends of Vernon Downs Pace to thank its local politicians for their hardwork earlier this month paving the way to keep the doors open at Vernon Downs for many more years.
Race seven will be the featured $10,000 70th Anniversary Pace. The Vernon Downs legendary gelding JK Panache will be leading the post parade for the race. JK Panache is co-holder of the fastest mile ever at Vernon (along with Fireyourguns) stopping the clock at 1:47.3. JK Panache had 31 wins at Vernon -- 17 of those victories were under 1:50.
During this historic night, the “Miracle Mile” will feature food trucks, giveaways, as well as a visit from Cait’s Characters for the kids. A huge display of fireworks will follow live racing. The nine-race card starts at 6:05 p.m.
(With files from Vernon Downs)