Vernon: Live racing returns this Saturday

Vernon Downs is set to begin its 68th year of racing on Saturday (April 17).

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 June 18. The track will also play host to the Zweig Memorial races featuring the 3-year-old Open Trot and the 3-year-old Fillies Trot on August 28. On September 11 Vernon will present the New York State Excelsior Finals for 2 and 3-year-old filly and colt trotters and pacers.

In 2020 Leon Bailey was the top driver. He will get to tangle with former driving champions John MacDonald and Jimmy Whittemore this year. These three and other great drivers should make it exciting as they all vie for the 2021 title.

Kerin Warner took top trainer honors at the Miracle Mile in 2020. Former training champion Marissa Chadbourne returns along with other top contenders like Claude Huckabone III and new comer Brandi Wine.

Live racing will be continuing through closing night (November 6). Post time will be 6:10 pm every night with the exception of Derby Day (May 1), which will start at 4:30 pm.

On opening day there will be no fans. However, starting on April 23 Vernon Downs fans will be permitted. More details will be provided next week.

Post time for the 12-race card is 6:10 pm.

For more information go to www.vernondowns.com.

-edited release (Vernon)