While a trio of $10,000 Open
events and second-round splits of the Catherine Burton and Anthony Farina
late-closing series headline the on-track action this weekend at Vernon Downs,
all eyes will be pointed to Louisville, Kentucky for the 141st Kentucky Derby
at Churchill Downs this Saturday (May 2).
In Central New York, Vernon
Downs will carry on many of the same traditions linked with the Run for the
Roses, including mint juleps and a Derby hat contest. Fans may register for the
hat contest beginning at 3:00 p.m. with judging to take place at 4:30 p.m. The
first place prize is $500.
Vernon Downs opens early for
simulcasting on Saturday, accommodating Churchill's 10:30 a.m. first
post. Throughout the day, mint juleps will be available in addition to
the standard complement of legal beverages, and the wearers of the finest
Kentucky Derby hats will win betting vouchers.
The live 13-race card at Vernon
Downs will kick off at a special early post time of 5:10 p.m., with a break for
the Derby (post time 6:34) after the first few live races. Prior to the
Derby, one fan will be selected to win a $1,000 win bet on a horse of their
choosing in the Derby. Last year, one lucky fan took home $3,500 after
California Chrome proved triumphant.
For full details on the Derby
Day festivities at Vernon Downs, visit vernondowns.com/racing.
