Vernon Downs opens Saturday

Vernon Downs is set to begin their 69th year of harness racing on Saturday (April 16). Opening night will feature a t-shirt and schedule magnet giveaway. They will be given away after the third race.

Highlights for the season include “Derby Day” featuring the live showing of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday (May 7) with a special post time of 5:05 pm. On Saturday (July 2) the live racing will be followed by fireworks.

Vernon Downs will feature The Empire Breeders Classic (EBC) with separate races for both 3-year-old filly trotters and 3-year-old trotting colts on Friday (June 17) with a special post time of 12:15 p.m.

Vernon Downs is also proud to play host once again to the Zweig Memorial races featuring the 3-year-old Open Trot and the 3-year-old Fillies Trot on Saturday (July 9) with a post time of 12:15 p.m.

In 2021 Leon Bailey captured his second straight driving title. Jeff Sorenson won his first training title. Justin Huckabone also had a season to remember. “JHuck” was the runner-up as driver and trainer.

Promotions are back in full swing as well including the always popular horseplay car giveaway starting on Friday (May 6) and running every race day until Saturday (October 1). Rules are on the Vernon Downs website.

Every Friday during live racing will be easy as 1-2-3. $1 popcorn or fountain soda. $2 hot dogs and $3 draft beer (16oz) at the track only.

The Miracle Mile will also once again have five awards in 2022. We will honor our top driver of the week with the Winning Wheels driver of the week. The best trainer of the week will be recognized as the Black Stallion trainer of the week. We will also have an award for grooms. It is called the Bourbon Express groom of the week. We also have a monthly award called the Golden Gro longshot of the month. This will go to the horse with the largest $2.00 payoff of the month. The fifth award is called the Rambling Willie award. This is an award for small stables that have an extra-special performance.

The 11-race card will start at 6:05 p.m.

For more information click here.

by John Horne, for Vernon Downs