- 1970’s Music Sensation “America” To Play Benefit Concert at Vernon Downs
Vernon Downs will be celebrating America's Independence Day Weekend with a concert by the chart-topping group "America."
Renowned for such great hits as: "A Horse With No Name," "Sister Golden Hair", "Ventura Highway", and "Tin Man," America will take to the stage on Thursday July 5th, outside and under the stars at Vernon Downs.
As a way of giving back to the community, all proceeds from the ticket sales for the July 5th America concert will be donated to the Food Bank of Central New York.
In addition, Chairman of American Racing and Entertainment Jeff Gural has stated that he will personally donate $5.00 to the Food Bank of Central New York for every ticket sold for the concert.
Mr. Gural will also give 50 cents for every $1 donated to the Food Bank on the day of the show.
Tickets for the 8:00pm show are available for $10 at the Vernon Downs Casino Player's Club and all Ticketmaster Locations.
The Food Bank will also be on hand at the July 5th concert to collect donations for their organization.
"I recognize that many people in our community continue to struggle during these difficult times and I thought this was the best way for myself and our company to express our thanks to everyone for the support we have received over the last 6 years,” Mr. Gural stated.
Last year $58, 246.13 was raised through ticket sales, Mr. Gural’s $5.00 match and donations at the Pat Benatar Concert and presented to the Food Bank at a Ribbon Cutting of the new Event Center on July 21st.
Opened in 2006, Vernon Downs Casino Hotel occupies a 34,000 square foot gaming facility featuring over 750 video gaming machines, restaurants, lounges and arcades in addition to live and simulcast racing.
The property also offers an all-suites hotel and employs over 375 people.
In 2011, Vernon Downs expanded the hotel to accommodate small conventions, weddings, and meetings and have plans for further expansion in the future if it receives one of the seven casino licenses proposed as part of a constitutional amendment allowing casino gambling in New York state. - He's Gorgeous lowers track record
He's Gorgeous lowers the track record Saturday night Former New York Sire Stakes standout He's Gorgeous looked sharp during a 1:50 track record performance at Vernon Downs on Saturday night.Competing in the $6,200 sixth race, He's Gorgeous ($5.80) led throughout, carving out splits of :26-flat, :54.4 and 1:22.2 before recording a decisive decision over the closest of his six rivals and equaling the career-best speed mark he set here last season.It was the first win in six current appearances and the 23rd lifetime victory for the fleet-footed 5-year-old son of Art Major-So Ravishing, who clipped two-fifths-of-a-second off the previous Vernon standard for older pacing horses, which had been established by Pacinello last July 23.Jack Rice drove for leading trainer Tracy Brainard as the bay battler increased his lifetime winnings to more than $733,300 for owner Kenneth Jacobs.Mystical Valentine became the local season's fourth two-time winning pacer with his front-striding 1:51.2, neck victory over Diamond Stick Pin in Saturday's $9,500 Open contest. Jimmy Whittemore sat in for trainer Dave Dewhurst in race nine as the gritty 6-year-old gelding secured his fourth season's score and his 25th lifetime tally. Phillip Hale owns the career-winner of $340,147.Two-win performances during Saturday's 12-race card were posted by drivers Whittemore, Kevin Switzer, Jr. Rick Plano, as well as by trainers Brainard and Dewhurst.DOWNS DOINGS—Bill Bailey, who made a precautionary hospital visit following a racetrack accident here on Friday evening, was cleared to drive in two races during Saturday card…Oneida's Brandon Loomis earned his initial provisional driving victory at the meet with a 1:55.4 score behind the pacer Renier De Vie in Saturday's third event…Following eight programs, Chris Lems leads in driving victories with 17, while defending champ Brainard tops the training chart with eight first-place finishes…Additional information regarding Vernon Downs, its casino, hotel, racing and promotional events can be obtained at www.vernondowns.com. - Yankee Manny posts fastest trotting mile of young season
Frank Davis and Yankee Manny win their second straight The steady-striding Yankee Manny turned in the fastest trotting mile of the season at Vernon Downs with his 1:54.2 triumph in Friday night's $9,500 featured sixth race.Trainer Frank Davis was at the controls as Yankee Manny ($5.20) survived a parked out journey and still had enough left in reserve to defeat the pace-setting Love U Overandover by 1-1/4 lengths at the conclusion of this week's Open test for representatives of the diagonal gait.It marked second win in succession in this top class for the 6-year-old son of Yankee-Glide-Yankee Minuet, who also sports a second place finish after three Vernon ventures thus far this season. It was the 23rd lifetime win for the $123,822-career earner, who is owned by Brian Green.The time resulted in a new win-mark for the speedy gelding and it trimmed one-fifth-of-a-second off the previous current trotting standard that had been shared by Yankee Manny and Aruba Vacation.The seven-night meet's leading reinsman Chris Lems, and two-time defending driving champ Jimmy Whittemore each recorded doubles during Friday's 11-race program.DOWNS DOINGS—Drivers Bill Bailey (behind Edit Away) and Truman Gale (Sir Westside Z Tam) were involved in an unusual accident on the track while preparing for Friday's ninth race. Bailey was taken to an area hospital for a possible back injury, while Gale didn't appear to be seriously hurt. There was no post-race report available on the condition of the pacers involved…Yankee Manny and fellow trotter Photo Master (1:58.3) joined Ziegler Hanover as multiple winning trotters after seven local programs…The trotters World Cup (2:00.1) and pacer Flashy Trick (1:58) each earned their "maiden" victories on Friday night…The Downs will present a 12-race card at 6:55 on Saturday night that will include the week's $9,500 Open pace (race nine)…Additional information regarding Vernon Downs, its casino, hotel, racing and promotional events can be obtained at www.vernondowns.com. - Aries Angel wins Thursday feature; Ziegler Hanover extends winning streak to three
Aries Angel wins the Thursday feature for driver/trainer Rick Plano The pacer Aries Angel displayed fast form in winning Thursday night's $9,500 feature, while the trotter Ziegler Hanover became the first three-time winner of the season at Vernon Downs.Competing against seven speedy rivals in the week's Open test for female practitioners of the lateral gait, Aries Angel ($9.80) challenged for the lead off the starting gate, took command after the quarter, and then forged a one-length victory in Thursday's 10th contest.Trainer Rick Plano was in the sulky as the 5-year-old daughter of Western Ideal-Aries Conquest collected her fifth season's score and 18th lifetime tally. Rick's wife, Maryann, owns the career-winner of more than $124,500.The win was one of two during Thursday's 11-race card for Plano, who was the runner up in races won on last year's driving and training charts at the Downs.The gritty claimer Ziegler Hanover ($4.70) extended his local winning streak to three with a solid 1:56.3 score in Thursday's $5,200 eighth event. Chris Lems drove for trainer and part-owner Dave Dewhurst as the 7-year-old son of Andover Hall-Xqsmwa improved his current record to three wins and a second-place finish after four outings. Anthony R. Farina shares ownership of the 14-time career winner, who sports more than $224,500 in lifetime winnings.Lems, the track's current driving leader with 14 first-place finishes, posted three wins during the evening, as did two-time defending titleist Jimmy Whittemore.DOWNS DOINGS—Thursday's fastest mile was a career-best 1:53.4 effort by the sophomore filly pacer Canamerica in the second race. Trainer John Stark, Jr., a part-owner, drove for Eloise Luchsinger, E. Carlyle and David Smith…Dewhurst, Jessica Okusko and Tracy Brainard, who all posted wins during Thursday's card, are deadlocked atop the track's training chart after six nights of competition with five victories each…Vernon will present an 11-race program that includes the week's $9,500 Open trot (sixth race) at 6:55 p.m. on Friday (May 11).…Additional information regarding Vernon Downs, its casino, hotel, racing and promotional events can be obtained at www.vernondowns.com. - Jody Jamieson to be honored with bobblehead at Vernon Downs
In honor of his unprecedented dual victories in the World Driving Championship and the Meadowlands/Tioga Drivers’ Championship in 2011, Canadian superstar Jody Jamieson will be honored with a bobblehead at Vernon Downs on Sunday, August 26 when he defends the second of his titles.
“I’m joining some elite company of drivers who have been honored with bobbleheads including Brian Sears, Yannick Gingras and Tim Tetrick,” said Jamieson. “It’s nice to be recognized and it’s always nice to beat the best drivers in the world.”The first round of this year’s $50,000 Drivers’ Championship will be contested at the Meadowlands on Friday, August 17, closing night of the Championship Meet.For the first time, the final round moves to Vernon Downs and shares the spotlight with the $700,000 estimated Zweig Memorial Trot, which will also be raced at Vernon Downs for the first time. Post time on the special Sunday, August 26 racing program is 1:15 PM.“We’re excited to be able to continue our great bobblehead tradition by honoring Jody Jamieson,” said Jason Settlemoir, VP of Racing and Simulcast. “Jody is a great promoter of harness racing, both in Canada and also in the United States, and we appreciate his continued support of Vernon Downs and Tioga Downs.”The bobbleheads will be given to all fans for free while supplies last. - “Inside Harness Racing” TV show returns for third seasonHarness racing fans, both new and old, will once again have a TV outlet for their favorite sport."Inside Harness Racing," a weekly, half-hour television show, returns for its third season. The first episode airs today (Wednesday) at 6:00 PM on Time Warner Cable Sports throughout Upstate New York. For the second year in a row, the show will also be broadcast on HPI TV in Canada. Viewers can also watch every episode online at the Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/tiogadowns)."We're very excited to once again offer fans a television outlet for the great racing, great stories and great characters at Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs," said the show's executive producer and host, Justin Horowitz. "TV is one of the best outlets to promote our game and we're grateful to our partners at Time Warner Cable Sports for once again giving us a prime outlet."Each week, the show will not only cover the major races at Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs with replays and interviews, but also go beyond the races with special features to introduce viewers to the personalities and horses behind the scenes.Fan education will also be a major focus with a regular segment called "Harness Racing University" that will teach new fans and horseplayers about the wagering side of the sport.A story that aired on "Inside Harness Racing" was awarded an honorable mention in the 2011 John Hervey Awards for excellence in harness racing broadcasting.Here's the debut episode of the show:
- Diamond Stick Pin is a repeat winner in Open Pace
The productive pacer Diamond Stick Pin was a repeat winner in Saturday night's $9,500 Open feature at Vernon Downs.
With Claude Huckabone, III steering for trainer Jessica Okusko, Diamond Stick Pin ($5.70) turned in a gritty performance in Saturday's sixth race, rallying from sixth (last) in the early going and exploding from fourth at the top of the stretch to nip the front-striding Restless Yankee by a nose in the 1:51.4 mile.The time bettered the season's local speed standard by one tick of the timer, and improved Diamond Stick Pin's current record to three victories in seven starts. It was the 22nd lifetime tally for the 6-year-old son of Bettor's Delight-Silksndiamonds, who is shared in ownership by Conrad Zurich, Edwin Gold and Wanda Polisseni's Purple Haze Stables. His career winnings now stand at $427,100.The first-place finish was one of two on the evening for Huckabone, who also won with the Kenneth Daniels-owned pacer One More Day in race one.Veteran reinsman Rick Plano, last season's runner-up on both the driving and training charts at the Downs, collected four wins during Saturday's 12-race card. The 60-year-old Frankfort-native won with the pacers Devil's Bargain, Dynamic Rayzer, Joba Jovi and trotter Neon Dream to record the first four-win performance by a driver at the five-night meeting.DOWNS DOINGS—Chris Lems leads all drivers in races won after five Vernon programs with 11…Defending champ Tracy Brainard, Jessica Okusko and Dave Dewhurst are tied atop the training chart with four wins each…Michael Miller tied Josh Kinney, James Dodson and Mickey Holiday at one on the provisional driver's list after his 1:59.1 tally behind the Lew Miller-owned trotter BJ's Superman in Saturday's eighth event…Vernon will offer live racing at 6:55 p.m. Thursday-Saturday next week.…Additional information regarding Vernon Downs, its casino, hotel, racing and promotional events can be obtained at www.vernondowns.com. - Yankee Manny Trots to Friday Night Feature Win
Yankee Manny saved the best for last en route to a 1:54.3 victory in Friday night's $7,600 featured ninth race at Vernon Downs.With trainer Frank Davis doing the driving for owner Brian Green, Yankee Manny ($5.40) relaxed in the early going as Grey Ice took the field to the quarter in :27.1, before Gelato Man took over at the half in :57.
Yankee Manny rallied from fifth at the quarter, went three wide around the final turn and then sprinted into the lead entering pay dirt. Maintaining his momentum, he continued on to a three-quarter-length tally in 1:54.3. The time is a new win mark for the swift-striding 6-year-old gelding, and it tied the current Vernon trotting standard, set by Aruba Vacation on opening night (April 27). While earning his third tally in 12 season's starts, the bay son of Yankee Glide-Yankee Minuet posted his 22nd career tally and increased his lifetime winnings to more than $118,700.Davis also finished first with the Bay Pond Racing Stable's pacer Unraveled (1:56.2), recording his initial double at the four-night meeting.DOWNS DOINGS—A 1:52.3 personal best pacing victory by JK Panache in Friday's eighth event missed tying the meet's overall speed standard by just three ticks of the timer…Through Friday's 10-race card, former training champ Dave Dewhurst had averaged one victory for each racing night…The pacers Unraveled, Paltrow Blue Chip and Silk Purse each secured their initial pari-mutuel wins during Friday's program…The Downs will simulcast all of tomorrow's races from Churchill Downs, including the 138th Kentucky Derby, which is slated to go off at 6:24 p.m. Vernon's 12-race live Saturday card will begin at approximately 7:05 p.m.…Additional facts regarding Vernon Downs, its casino, hotel, racing and promotional events can be obtained at http://www.vernondowns.com/. - Glam Cam Matches Fastest Mile of Young Season in Thursday FeatureThe pacer Glam Cam equaled the fastest mile of the fledgling season, while the trotter Ziegler Hanover became the meet's initial two-time equine winner during Thursday night's 10-race program at Vernon Downs.Competing in the sixth race, the week's $9,500 Open for females on the lateral gait, Glam Cam ($8.10) raced along in fifth while Harlem Rockturne took the select field to the half in :56.1. Advancing to second in a :28.2 third stanza, the 6-year-old mare kicked home in :26.4 to earn top honors and a fresh lifetime speed mark.Thursday's 1:52 tally was the third in seven season's starts and the 13th all-time for the bay daughter of Camotion-CR Charisma, who bumped her lifetime winnings to $73,383.Trainer Brian Connor drove for owner Robert Lovett as Glam Cam tied the meet's speed standard, set by the pacer Diamond Stick Pin last Saturday.With the meet's top driver Chris Lems in the sulky, Ziegler Hanover ($4.20) closed from fourth in the final quarter to snare a 1:56.2 victory in Thursday's $5,200 opener, giving the 7-year-old horse his second score in three current outings. Former Downs training champ Dave Dewhurst owns the career winner of $221,948 along with Anthony R. Farina.Lems went on to record his third triple in three racing nights, while newcomer Kevin Switzer, Jr. also chalked up a driving "hat trick."DOWNS DOINGS—Defending training champ Tracy Brainard secured two first-place finishes (She's Everything and Armbro Doyle), both teamed by Switzer…The track's current Thursday-Saturday schedule continues at 6:55 p.m. on Friday (May 4)…The Downs will simulcast all of Saturday's races from Churchill Downs, including the 138th Kentucky Derby, which is slated to go off at 6:24 p.m. Vernon's 12-race live Saturday card will begin at 6:55 p.m.…Additional facts regarding Vernon Downs, its casino, hotel, racing and promotional events can be obtained at www.vernondowns.com.
- Diamond Stick Pin wins season's first Open Pace
Local favorite Diamond Stick Pin lowered the local season's speed standard to 1:52 with his explosive victory in Saturday night's $9,500 featured ninth race at Vernon Downs.Off as the second wagering choice, Diamond Stick Pin rallied from third in the early going, began to challenge entering the homestretch and then closed with momentum to defeat the on-rushing Home Again Dragon by 1-1/2 lengths.Saturday's score was the second in six season's starts for the 6-year-old son of Bettor's Delight-Silksndiamonds, who is shared in ownership by Conrad Zurich, Edwin Gold and Wanda Polisseni's Purple Haze Stables.
Diamond Stick Pin's 21st lifetime victory gave driver Chris Lems and trainer Jessica Okusko three first-place finishes during Saturday's 12-race card.Okusko's other win credits were provided by the pacer Major's Centerfold (1:58.1) and trotter Belles Of Churton (2:01.4).Defending dash-winning champ Jimmy Whittemore also posted a hat trick during the track's second pari-mutuel program.DOWNS DOINGS—Lems sports a pair of three-win outings after two official nights of competition over Vernon's 7/8ths-mile oval…Mickey Holiday joined James Dodson and Josh Kinney on Vernon's provisional driving chart following his 1:55 win behind the pacer Rush Of Fools in Saturday's seventh event…The track's basic Thursday-Saturday night weekly schedule begins on May 3…Additional facts regarding Vernon Downs, its casino, hotel, racing and promotional events can be obtained at www.vernondowns.com. - Large Crowd Packs Vernon Downs on Opening Night
A large (3,764) and enthusiastic crowd helped usher in the 59th live harness racing season at Vernon Downs on Friday night.The pacer Dovetail (1:54.1) and trotter Aruba Vacation (1:54.3) shrugged off mid-30-degree temperatures to record the evening's fastest miles as the central New York 7/8ths-mile track kicked off its 90-card campaign in speedy style."The fan support on this chilly evening was great and helped set the tone for a successful launch to our live racing schedule," said Jason Settlemoir, vice-president for racing and simulcasting at both Vernon Downs and its sister track Tioga Downs, located in Nichols. "We hope to parlay this auspicious opening into one of the finest and most exciting seasons in the track's long and proud history."Dovetail earned her fourth win on the current campaign with her quick-footed score in the $9,500 Open test for female pacers.With Fern Paquet, Jr. driving, the determined mare chased down the pace-setting Glam Cam in the final strides to post a head victory in the featured sixth event.It marked the 14th lifetime victory for the brown daughter of Dragon Again-Western Dove, who is trained by Jamie Paquet and owned by the FBP Racing Stable.Aruba Vacation's sterling effort occurred in the next event, a $7,600 "Winners Over" contest, with Paquet again doing the teaming, this time for trainer Guy Howard and the Howard Stables.The confident 5-year-old gelding led throughout and stretched his winning advantage to eight lengths at the finish.It was the initial season's outing for the productive homebred son of Dream Vacation-Dixie Hit, who bumped his career winnings to more than $346,500.In addition to Paquet's two-bagger, drivers Chris Lems and Jimmy Whittemore chalked up a triple and double, respectively, during the evening's 10-race program.DOWNS DOINGS—Josh Kinney became the meet's first provisional driving victor following his first place finish behind the veteran claiming pacer in Friday's final event... The Downs will present a 12-race card, including the weekend's $9,500 Open pace, starting at 6:55 p.m. on Saturday (April 28). The track's basic Thursday-Saturday night weekly slate begins on May 3…Additional facts regarding Vernon Downs, its casino, hotel, racing and promotional events can be obtained at www.vernondowns.com. - Vernon Downs Set for Derby Fest 5Vernon Downs Casino in Vernon, NY will host Derby Fest 5 on Saturday, May 5th, celebrating the 138th Kentucky Derby live from Churchill Downs.In addition to Derby Fest 5, and live racing at 6:55 pm, Vernon Downs has another reason to have a party, Cinco de Mayo.On top of having Mint Juleps, there will be Margaritas, a Sombrero Hat contest, and our ever-popular Kentucky Derby Hat Contest.The exciting day of events, which always draws an impressive crowd for the festivities, begins with simulcast racing from Churchill Downs starting at 10:30am.Guests can watch and wager on all of the races leading up to the 138th Run for the Roses (post time approximately 6:24pm).Kentucky Derby Fest 5 will be bigger and better than ever with more excitement and entertainment, including live performances throughout the day including a Mariachi Band at 4:30pm, and more.The Derby and Sombrero Hat Contests will be held in the grandstand area at 6:00 pm, with registration beginning at 5:00 pm.Wear your best Kentucky Derby or Sombrero hat for a chance at a $500 race voucher.Go to www.vernondowns.com for further information and event times.
- Vernon Downs set for its 2012 opening weekend of live racingVernon Downs is all set for the 2012 opening weekend of live racing with 10 races being drawn for opening night (April 27) with a post time of 6:55 PM.Fans of Vernon Downs will be welcomed back with a free race date t-shirt and race date magnet giveaway at the front entrance of Vernon Downs (while supplies last).Also on tap for opening night will be the promotion, Cash It or Stash It, the ever popular Horseplay Car Giveaway and the night will round out with fireworks immediately following live racing.Race Secretary Scott Warren has put together a 12-race card for Saturday night (April 28) with a post time of 6:55 PM, led by a $9,500 seven-horse Open Pace.The seven-horse race has stirred up some talented pacers led by Western Trademark, Sheer Brilliance, and the Vernon Downs hometown favorite, Diamond Stick Pin.Saturday night's track promotion, in addition to the Horseplay Car Giveaway - night two, is That's My Driver.For more information on Vernon Downs, please visit us online at www.vernondowns.com.
- Vernon Downs Announces Details of Bruce Springsteen Concert
Before a packed crowd of media and local dignitaries, Vernon Downs owner Jeff Gural announced details of the August 29 Bruce Springsteen's "Wrecking Ball" Tour concert stop.
Tickets will be $108 and include parking. Tickets go on sale April 28th at the Vernon Downs Ticket Office and all Ticketmaster outlets including online via this link. http://bit.ly/HKzwtu
Approximately 30,000 tickets will be available. All seating is general admission, festival style, in the Vernon Downs infield.
To hear more about this historic concert and what it means for the future of Vernon Downs, watch the video below. - Media Night and Final Preseason Qualifiers at Vernon DownsThe trotters BJ's Superman (2:02), Centerfold Lady (2:01.4), Delcrest Grace (2:01.2), as well as pacers Shortest Distance (1:57.1) and Paltrow Blue Chip (1:58.1) were qualifying winners during Tuesday's annual Media Night program at Vernon Downs.Roman Lopez (Centerfold Lady for trainer Sam Serianni and Delcrest Grace for conditioner Maria Rice) won two of Tuesday's practice events as the central New York harness track continued to prepare for its 59th pari-mutual season this Friday night (April 27).Master of Ceremonies Jason Settlemoir, vice-president of racing and simulcasting for Vernon Downs and its sister track, Tioga Downs (which opens at 6:50 on Saturday night, May 5), welcomed the enthusiastic crowd and provided information pertaining to this year's 90-card campaign, which is scheduled to continue through Nov. 3."We’re looking forward to having the seventh season under current management showcase the best Standardbred horses and horsemen during the upcoming campaign, especially on Sunday afternoon, Aug. 26 when Vernon will host the $700,000 (est.) Zweig Memorial for 3-year-old trotters and a $50,000 Driver's Championship (that previously has been held at Tioga Downs)," Settlemoir said.Jeff Gural, Chairman of American Racing and Entertainment, excited the audience when he announced that Vernon would be the site of two major concerts in 2012, with the chart-topping group "America" set to perform on Thursday night, July 5, and "The Boss," Bruce Springsteen, to conduct a leg of his current "Wrecking Ball" tour on Wednesday evening, Aug. 29.Both events will benefit the Food Bank of Central New York."I recognize that many people in this community continue to struggle during these difficult times, and I thought this was the best way for myself and our company to express our thanks to everyone for the support we have received here over the past six years," Gural stated.DOWNS DOINGS—The Downs has slated 10 races starting at 6:55 this Friday night…Vernon will conduct its next qualifying session at 11 o'clock on Friday morning… Friday night's promotional activities include a T-shirt and magnet schedule giveaway, plus a fireworks show following the last live race…Additional facts regarding Vernon Downs, its casino, hotel, racing and promotional events can be obtained at www.vernondowns.com... Added information and concert tickets can be obtained at the track's ticket office, or at all Ticketmaster locations.






