Vernon, NY – The Harness Horse Association of Central New York, the Gaming Commission-recognized representative horsemen’s association at Vernon Downs Racetrack, is pleased to announce that it has secured a two-year extension of its horsemen’s agreement with Vernon Down’s management and agreed to a waiver of the 10 percent cap on the two important 2020 Vernon stakes in this difficult year. A formal agreement is to be executed.

Vernon Downs and the Harness Horsemen’s Association of Central NY reached an agreement on a contract extension. Vernon Downs Photo.

As part of the negotiation to achieve this agreement favorable to both parties, which ensures that the horsemen will receive all of the beneficial terms and conditions guaranteed under the present contract through the two-year extension of the base agreement (now extended through December 31, 2023), the horsemen have agreed to a one-time waiver of the 10 percent cap on stakes allocation from the purse account, permitting the full funding of the 2020 renewals of The Zweig and Empire Breeders Classic.

“As we both have worked towards the restoration of harness racing to central New York in the aftermath of the most destructive period of the viral pandemic, it was important to make sure that our owners, trainers and drivers could rely on long-term continued operations of the raceway,” said HHACNY President Rick Papa.  “The financial devastation that has impacted our members cannot be recouped by us or management without some give and take on each side. That’s why it was so important to obtain this extension from management. While the horsemen were concerned about the uncertainty of whether or when the current season would commence, the HHACNY membership has again reached a successful resolution of this issue working with management to obtain a clear and concise deal removing any ambiguity.”

“I am glad we were able to resolve this and credit Rick for coming up with a compromise that makes sense for all concerned,” added Vernon Downs President Jeff Gural.  “As a horseman, I recognize how important it is to get racing up and running and come up with a plan for the sire stakes as well.”

Vernon Downs is scheduled to resume racing on June 10.