Vernon Downs to Celebrate 70th Anniversary of Racing on 2023 Opening Day

 

Harness racing season and festivities kick off on Saturday, April 15

 

Vernon, NY – Vernon Downs Racetrack will be opening its gates for the 70th season of live harness racing on Saturday, April 15.

 

Vernon Downs was the eighth racetrack to open in New York, beginning as a six-furlong oval with a quarter-mile chute on July 1, 1953. Over the years, it has become known for hosting prestigious stake races and drawing celebrities, like baseball’s Mickey Mantle and Whitey Ford, and some of the best equine names, such as Bret Hanover, Ring Eyed Pete, Nevele Pride, Albatross, Niatross, Moni-Maker and Bunny Lake.

 

The company will mark this milestone anniversary with celebrations honoring Vernon Down’s long-running legacy of fast-paced harness racing, ranging from a slate of competitive races on its 7/8-mile oval to festive entertainment.

 

“Vernon Downs is a historic venue and we are thrilled to have the support of top local horsemen and fans as we kick off our 70th year!” said Arthur Wood, Assistant General Manager. “We’ve lined up some great promotions and hope our fans enjoy the Vernon Downs experience.”

 

Here is an overview of this season’s schedule of events:

 

Saturday, April 15 – Opening Day: Return for another season of racing on Opening Day, with first post at 6:05 p.m. Grab food and drink deals, including $1 popcorn or fountain soda, $2 hot dog and $3 draft beer (16 ounces). The first 200 guests to check in at the promotions desk after Race 3 will receive a Vernon Downs golf umbrella.

 

Saturday, May 6 – Kentucky Derby Day: While enjoying mint julep cocktails and delicious eats from food trucks, racegoers can view a live broadcast of the 2023 Kentucky Derby from the racetrack and participate in a $1,770 Derby Wager and Win Giveaway. Vernon Downs post time is 5:05 p.m.

 

Friday, May 12 – Horse Play Car Giveaway: Enter to win a 2023 Toyota Camry LE throughout live racing on Fridays and Saturdays. Vernon Downs is donating 100% of the proceeds to the northeast region of the American Cancer Society. Tune in for the grand prize drawing during live racing on October 7, 2023.

 

Monday, May 29 – Special Memorial Day Races: Join Vernon Downs for live racing, a mini horse race and American flag giveaway. Post time is 12:15 p.m.

Friday, June 16 – Vernon Downs will feature the Empire Breeders Classic with separate races for 3-year-old filly trotters and 3-year-old trotting colts with a special post time of 12:15 p.m.

 

Sunday, June 18 – Father’s Day and Corgi Dog Races: Spend Father’s Day with the entire family as Vernon Downs features standardbreds and the fastest Corgi’s in the area! First post 12:15 p.m.

 

Saturday, July 1 – 70^th Anniversary Racing Celebration: Celebrate Vernon Downs’ 70th anniversary of racing with $70 gas gift card giveaways, t-shirt giveaway, food trucks and fireworks.

 

Saturday, July 8 – Vernon Downs is proud to host the Zweig Memorial races featuring the 3-year-old Open Trot and 3-year-old Fillies Trot once again with a post time of 12:15 p.m.

 

Friday and Saturday, August 18-19 – Corntastic Weekend: On Friday August 18, and Saturday August 19, guests will receive a half dozen ears of fresh sweet corn while supplies last. A corn tossing contest will also highlight the weekend.

 

Live racing takes place from April through November and entry to the track is free every race day. Vernon Downs races on Friday and Saturday evenings at 6:05 p.m. This season, post time will be at 4 p.m. on Fridays through August. For more information about the 2023 racing season, promotions, all unique race dates and post times, visit www.VernonDowns.com.

 

Individuals must be 18 years of age to wager on horses, participate in promotions and giveaways, play gaming machines and purchase lottery tickets.

 

ABOUT: Vernon Downs Casino Hotel is a specialized gaming center for gamers of all volition to enjoy. It is home to over 500 games, including in-house progressives and video poker. The casino offers free enrollment into its Rewards Club, where you can become eligible to receive benefits, such as special offer mailers, invitations to live events, and much more. Vernon Downs is also home to self-bet terminals for all thoroughbred and harness racing that takes place at the casino hotel. You must be 18 years of age to play at Vernon Downs. Please play responsibly. Vernon Downs is a New York State Lottery Customer Service Center.

WOODSTOCK 50 INVITES COMMUNITY OF VERNON TO EMBRACE THE SPIRIT OF PEACE AND LOVE ENVISIONED FOR THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY FESTIVAL

Hosts Open House; Vows to Hire Locals, Possibly Hold Future Events at Racino  

WOODSTOCK, NY—July 15, 2019—Organizers of Woodstock 50 and Jeffrey Gural, owner of Vernon Downs, today invited the community of Vernon to embrace the Festival’s spirit of peace, love and music by stopping by an open house to meet the team and preview a proposal for a 50^th Anniversary  celebration at the race track.

Woodstock 50 is seeking an administrative permit from the Town of Vernon to host the three-day Festival at Vernon Downs on August 16-18. The open house will take place at the Vernon Downs Casino Hotel at 6:30 p.m. on Monday and from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Tuesday. Refreshments will be served.

Gural will be one of several speakers at a formal presentation of the Festival’s comprehensive plan to the Town of Vernon Tuesday night. The meeting, scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Vernon Town Hall, is open to the public.

“The original Woodstock prevailed against all odds because of the determination of the founders and we hope that, with the help of the people of Vernon, history can repeat itself and turn Woodstock 50 into a great American comeback story,” said Greg Peck, co-owner of Woodstock 50.  “We purchased the rights from the founders to put on Woodstock 50 because of our belief in what the Festival stands for. We have put enormous care and thought into our security, safety, traffic and medical plan and are eager to show the officials and residents of Vernon that this Festival will be not only memorable and historic, but peaceful and safe for everyone involved.” 

“This is an opportunity of a lifetime for Vernon Downs and the Town of Vernon to be part of history,” said Gural, a real estate developer who also runs harness tracks at the Meadowlands Racetrack in New Jersey and Tioga Downs in southern New York. “We have long dreamed of hosting music festivals at Vernon Downs as a way of shoring up the long-term economic viability of the operation. Woodstock 50 would be the beginning of a tremendous legacy that would help secure jobs today and for future generations.”

Woodstock 50 has assembled a world-class team of experts to help with the expedited schedule of the Festival. Among the consultants is Virgin Produced, the entertainment production arm of Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group.  

Music festivals have proven to be a boon for the local economies where they are held.  In its 17^th year, the Bonnaroo Music Festival, held on a 700-acre farm in Manchester, TN, pumped an estimated $56 million into the regional economy, including its host town of 10,000 people, according to the Tennessean.   

Woodstock 50 would be no different. If permits are secured, Woodstock 50 could foresee hiring local residents to help with ticketing, security, logistical support, transportation, set up, break down and clean up. Peck and Gural said they have discussed holding annual Woodstock 50 events at Vernon Downs in the future.

Gural said he is prepared to make a contribution to local non-profit organizations from the proceeds of the Festival just as he has done in other communities where he operates. On Friday, Gural is donating $500,000 to local non-profits in Nichols, N.Y., the home of Tioga Downs.

Peck said Woodstock 50 also would like to establish a committee of local residents to identify and invite certain local vendors onto the site during the Festival. The committee would also be in charge of managing a VIP lounge for local residents and guests.

Peck said the committee also could help identify a community project such as a playground or children’s recreational center that Woodstock 50 could leave as a thank you to the people of Vernon.

“We see the Town of Vernon as our partners in putting on this Festival,” Peck said. “We can’t do it without their help and want the Festival to be a great source of community pride. We want everyone to be able to enjoy the experience.”

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About Woodstock 50:

Created in 1969 and billed as “3 Days of Peace and Music,” the legendary Woodstock Music and Arts Fair was a reaction by the youth of its time to the tumultuous conditions they faced and the causes that inspired them —civil rights, women’s rights and the antiwar movement. Woodstock was a defining cultural and historical moment that brought hundreds of thousands of attendees together for music, peace and love.

Woodstock co-producer and co-founder, Michael Lang and partners are bringing the festival back in the true spirit of the original – to unite people in a shared experience with great artists, and encourage active support of equality, inclusion and a shared sustainable future. The Official Woodstock 50th Anniversary Festival will bring three days of peace, love and music back to Upstate New York from Friday, Aug. 16 through Sunday, Aug. 18, at Watkins Glen International.

Contact:

Sallie Hofmeister, Sitrick And Company, shofmeister@sitrick.com; 310-788-2850.

Vernon Downs Announces Highlights of Racing Season at Media Night

2019 season packed with racing promotions and entertainment

Vernon, N.Y. – April 16, 2019 – Local leaders and media partners gathered at the Gold Cup Buffet at Vernon Downs Tuesday for an exciting and informational peek into the upcoming racing season.

The event, which was complete with tours, photo opportunities, and interviews, detailed highlights of the 2019 racing season, including:

Kentucky Derby Day will be held at Vernon Downs on Saturday, May 4. Post time for racing is 4:30 p.m. Registration will begin for our fun derby hat contest at 4 p.m., and food trucks will be on hand from 4 to 8 p.m. The day’s featured promotion is a $1,000 Derby Dream Bet, which will be awarded to two winners at $500 each.

This Memorial Day, fans can look forward to the Empire Breeders Classic Finals for the 3-year-old Trotters, and an estimated $250,000 in purses. There will also be an umbrella giveaway for all guests that day while supplies last. Post time is 1:05 p.m.

There will be more than just racing to take in on Thursday, July 4.  Post time is 6:10 p.m. Guests will be able to catch a glimpse of a spectacular fireworks display and a fun-filled night of quality racing.

On Friday, August 9th, it’s all about good music and a great cause at Vernon Downs! Crystal Gayle and Lee Greenwood will perform a special benefit concert to benefit the Food Bank of Central New York. All ticket sales will be donated to the organization and in addition, Vernon Downs owner Jeff Gural has generously pledged to match all ticket proceeds. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the concert kicks off at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person.

The Zweig Stakes Day Highlights will take place on Saturday, August 17. This exciting racing event will feature 3-year-old trotters and an estimated $630,000 in purses. There will also be a hat giveaway. Post time is 6:10 p.m.

Our highly anticipated Million Dollar Ball Drop will also take place on Saturday, August 17. Post time is 6:10 p.m. The ball will drop during live racing. Fans have a chance to win up to $1,000,000.

There will be another major prize up for grabs during the Horseplay Car Giveaway on Saturday, August 31^st. Post time is 6:10 p.m. Make a $1 donation and receive a rubber horse for your chance to toss and enter to win a 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback!  This season there will be three winners per horseplay promotion.

We appreciate the continued support of our media partners, patrons and dignitaries, and look forward to another great season at Vernon Downs!

In addition to its video lottery terminals, Vernon Downs offers live harness racing, concerts and other entertainment. Jeff Gural owns Vernon Downs in Vernon, N.Y. and Tioga Downs in Nichols, N.Y.  In the last decade, Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs have created more than 1,000 family-sustaining jobs. For more information on Vernon Downs, please visit www.vernondowns.com.

Vernon Downs to start live racing on Friday (April 19)

Vernon Downs is set to begin their 66^th year of racing on Friday (April 19) with a post time of 6:10 pm.

Opening night will feature a t-shirt and schedule magnet giveaway as well as a live bugler.  Also the popular “That’s My Driver” promotion.  Five entries will be randomly selected following Race 2.  All will have a chance to win up to $140.  At the conclusion of the evening’s racing will be a large fireworks display.

Highlights for the season include “Derby Day” featuring the live showing of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday (May 4) with a special post time of 4:30 pm.  Memorial Day (May 27) features The Empire Classic Finals for both 3-year-old filly trotters and 3-year-old trotting colts.  Each Final is racing for a purse of $250,000 est. with a post time of 1:05 pm.  The Zweig Memorial races will take place on Friday (August 17) featuring the Zweig 3-year-old Colt Trot ($370,000 est.) and 3-year-old Fillies Trot ($150,000 est.).

In 2018 John MacDonald and Jimmy Whittemore landied in a flat footed tie for top driver.  The two battled back and forth all year before ending with 115 wins each.

MacDonald was once again top trainer at the Miracle Mile with 65 wins.  He trained the 2018 horse of the year Kabu.  Owned by the J P Stables, Kabu (Valley Victor), won eight of his 18 starts at Vernon Downs in 2018.

Vernon Downs is happy to welcome new race caller Rich Mattei.  The 11 race card for Friday will feature Leg one of the Robert E. Keller Trotting Series.  Post time is 6:10 p.m.

For more information go to www.vernondowns.com

Photos by Fotowon

Andrew Hamilton to Bolster Food and Beverage Program at Tioga, Vernon Downs

Casinos Name New Senior Regional Director of Food and Beverage

NICHOLS & VERNON, NY – Mr. Jeff Gural, owner of Tioga Downs Casino Resort and Vernon Downs Casino Hotel, is thrilled to announce another impressive addition to the leadership team of both establishments. Andrew Hamilton has been named Senior Regional Director of Food and Beverage for the thriving Nichols and Vernon destinations.

A veteran of the food and beverage industry, Mr. Hamilton has had a passion for culinary arts since a young age. The Philadelphia Enquirer dubbed him as an “upcoming chef” at the age of 23. Today, he brings with him more than 40 years of experience, 24 years of which he spent with Hyatt Hotels and Hyatt Gaming. There, he worked at 14 properties in various leadership roles, ranging from Executive Chef to Assistant General Manager. He opened 12 properties with Hyatt Hotels including the Lone Eagle Grille in Lake Tahoe, Nevada and the Black Hawk casino in Black Hawk, Colorado. Mr. Hamilton also spent time as Vice President of Food and Beverage for Jack Binion at the Horseshoe casino in Bossier City, Louisiana. Most recently, Mr. Hamilton served as the Food and Beverage Director in Rochester, Washington, where he completed a $45 million renovation for the Washington Chehalis Tribe.

“At Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs, people come for the top-tier gaming and entertainment, but they stay, and return, for the full experience,” Jeff Gural, owner of Tioga Downs, said. “Our fantastic food and beverage programs are the centerpiece of that experience, and we have full confidence that Mr. Hamilton’s direction will enhance every aspect of dining in both Nichols and Vernon.”

With the introduction of exciting amenities, like P. J. Clarke’s restaurant, Tioga Downs has truly transformed into a full-service destination resort. Mr. Hamilton, a native of Laconia, New Hampshire, is pleased that his new position has brought him back to the northeast, and is looking forward to launching the food and beverage programs at both Tioga and Vernon Downs to new heights.

About Tioga Downs:

Tioga Downs, which opened in 2006, offers live harness racing, casino gaming and live entertainment.  Jeff Gural owns Tioga Downs in Nichols, New York as well as Vernon Downs in Vernon, New York.  Since opening the new casino in December 2016, Tioga Downs has expanded its gaming offerings to include 944 slot machines, 32 table games and a luxurious 12-table poker room, which is now affiliated with the World Series of Poker.  The new Tioga Downs Hotel, which spans six stories and boasts 161 rooms, an events center and many other exciting amenities, officially opened in December 2017. Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs have created more than 1,000 family-sustaining jobs and donated millions to nonprofit organizations. For more information on Tioga Downs, please visit www.tiogadowns.com.

Tioga, Vernon Downs Name New President/General Manager

Charlie Otto to oversee operations at two premiere upstate casinos

NICHOLS & VERNON, NY – Mr. Jeff Gural, owner of both Tioga Downs Casino Resort and Vernon Downs Casino Hotel, is pleased to announce the promotion of Mr. Charlie Otto to President/General Manager.

Mr. Otto was officially promoted from his previous position of Director of Operations at Tioga Downs to President/General Manager of both Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs. He has been serving as the Interim President/GM of the two facilities for the past six months. Mr. Otto is a veteran of the gaming industry, having spent 33 years in the casino business, 25 of which he spent in upstate New York casinos. Per his new promotion, Mr. Otto will oversee all operations at both Tioga and Vernon Downs.

“Tioga Downs is performing better than ever before, and Vernon Downs has started performing better under Mr. Otto’s leadership. That success of both establishments is, in large part, thanks to the guidance and direction of Charlie Otto,” Mr. Jeff Gural, owner of Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs, said. “His recent promotion is well deserved, and I have no doubt Mr. Otto will only continue and enhance the success of these two facilities.”

Mr. Otto’s promotion became effective November 1^st.

About Tioga Downs:

Tioga Downs, which opened in 2006, offers live harness racing, casino gaming and live entertainment.  Jeff Gural owns Tioga Downs in Nichols, New York as well as Vernon Downs in Vernon, New York.  Since opening the new casino in December 2016, Tioga Downs has expanded its gaming offerings to include 944 slot machines, 32 table games and a luxurious 12-table poker room, which is now affiliated with the World Series of Poker.  The new Tioga Downs Hotel, which spans six stories and boasts 161 rooms, an events center and many other exciting amenities, officially opened in December 2017. Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs have created more than 1,000 family-sustaining jobs and donated millions to nonprofit organizations. For more information on Tioga Downs, please visit www.tiogadowns.com.

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Tioga, Vernon Downs Owner Thanks Local Leaders for Continued Support

Mr. Jeff Gural Credits Loyal Dignitaries for Success of Casinos

Nichols, NY & Vernon, NY – In light of Tioga Downs tremendous ongoing success, Mr. Jeff Gural, Chairman of American Racing and Entertainment and owner of Tioga Downs Casino Resort and Vernon Downs Casino, is thanking political leaders in the Finger Lakes and Southern Tier region for their continued support. 

“It’s important to me to express my lasting appreciation for the esteemed dignitaries who have gone above and beyond to advocate for these casinos, which are both among the largest employers in their respective regions,” Mr. Gural said. “Tioga Downs is performing better than any other competing casino in the region, and the future of Vernon Downs is no longer uncertain. We owe that success to the continued bipartisan support of our great leaders, who have a genuine care and concern for their constituents and the communities we serve.”

Mr. Gural would like to specifically recognize Senator Fred Akshar, Senator Thomas O'Mara, Senator Joseph Griffo, Senator John Bonacic, Assemblyman Chris Friend, Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo and Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi. Their support and commitment has made it possible for Tioga Downs to solidify itself as one of the Southern Tier’s premiere destinations.

Both establishments look forward to many years of continued success and prosperity that will be a tremendous benefit to the region in terms of boosting tourism, generating tax revenue and spurring job creation.

About Tioga Downs:

Tioga Downs, which opened in 2006, offers live harness racing, casino gaming and live entertainment.  Jeff Gural owns Tioga Downs in Nichols, New York as well as Vernon Downs in Vernon, New York.  Since opening the new casino in December 2016, Tioga Downs has expanded its gaming offerings to include 944 slot machines, 32 table games and a luxurious 12-table poker room, which is now affiliated with the World Series of Poker.  The new Tioga Downs Hotel, which spans six stories and boasts 161 rooms, an events center and many other exciting amenities, officially opened in December 2017. Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs have created more than 1,000 family-sustaining jobs and donated millions to nonprofit organizations. For more information on Tioga Downs, please visit www.tiogadowns.com.