Vernon Downs Completes Final Tune Up for Friday's Opening Night

Vernon Downs completed the final tune up for Friday's (April 15) 58th season's opener last night.

The track's Media Night program consisted of seven practice races.

Earlier in the day, Racing Secretary Scott Warren, beginning his initial season at the central New York harness track, conducted a double draw for opening weekend.

Friday's 10-race program includes a $10,000 fillies and mares Open pace (event eight) and a $10,000 Open trot (race nine).

Saturday evening's 12-race card features a $10,000 Open pace (race 10); including the speedy newcomer Dry Gulch, who produced a 1:53.1 qualifying victory here last Saturday morning.

The Downs will operate Friday and Saturday evening during April, with first post time at 7 p.m.

Thursday evening programs will be added starting May 5.

The track's 90-card campaign is slated to continue through November 19.

DOWNS DOINGS - Jason Settlemoir, vice-president of racing operations for both Vernon Downs and its sister track, Tioga Downs, announced the completion of a tentative two-year contract agreement between Vernon Downs and the Harness Horse Association of Central New York that will cover the current and 2012 seasons. The compact is expected to be officially ratified later in the week... Defending driving champ Jimmy Whittemore and training titleist Tracy Brainard will be returning for Friday's lid-lifter.This season's new stables are expected to include those of John Hogan, Kyle DiBenedetto, Frank Milby and Kevin Hough, among others... Additional information regarding Vernon Downs and its casino can be found at www.vernondowns.com.