Vernon, NY – Vernon Downs is set to begin its 73rd anniversary of racing on Saturday, April 18. Post time for Opening Night is 5:05 p.m. and features a t-shirt giveaway after the third race.
In preparation for the season, Vernon Downs is holding 12 qualifying races on Saturday, April 11 at 10:30am. Guests who want an early glimpse of the racing action are welcome to watch from the track apron.
On Saturday, May 2, Vernon Downs will simulcast the 152nd Kentucky Derby. Guests can enjoy betting on the full card of racing at Churchill Downs as well as live harness racing. They can participate in the $700 Win and Wager promotion and enjoy mint julep specials as the Kentucky Derby will appear on televisions around the facility.
2025 leading driver Leon Bailey and leading trainer Michelle Warner return to defend their titles. Last season’s titles came down to the wire as both weren’t clinched until closing night 2025.
Vernon Downs will once again host several stakes races including eight New York Sire Stakes cards featuring the top trainers and drivers in the sport. On June 12, the 3-year-old filly trotters and 3-year-old trotting colts take center stage in the $500,000 Empire Breeders Classic. The $600,000 Zweig Memorial which annually features the best Grand Circuit sophomore trotters on the road to the August 8 $1 million Hambletonian at The Meadowlands, will take place on a special Sunday night card on July 19.
To close out the season’s stakes’ action, the second New York Sire Stakes Big Apple Finals for state-bred freshmen will offer $1 million in purses. Elimination races are set for Friday, October 2 with a $250,000 final for each division of trotters and pacers on October 9.
Vernon Downs is proud to offer the best promotions in harness racing. Reoccurring giveaways include the popular, Meat Madness and Back to School gift cards as well as the new Beat the Heat and Pluck a Duck promotion. The Friday Easy As 1-2-3 promotions features discounted food and drink specials. On July 4, a spectacular fireworks show will follow the races. “Corntasic Weekend” will take place August 14-15 featuring free hot ears of corn on both nights.
The always popular Horse Play Car Giveaway starts May 8 and runs until October 10. For all upcoming promotions and promotions rules visit VernonDowns.com/racing.
Live racing takes place from April through November and entry to the track is free every race day. Individuals must be 18 years of age to wager on horses and participate in promotions/giveaways. For post time information, promotions information and full 2026 live racing calendar, visit www.vernondowns.com/racing.
Harness Racing News