by Harness Horse Association of Central New York

Vernon, NY — We are greatly upset to read that management has decided that it will delay the April 21, scheduled open at Vernon Downs pursuant to our contract. That plan of operation and our contract requires Vernon to be opened on that day. The Gaming Commission has approved those dates, and unless and until they address this issue, we expect to see Vernon Downs management meet its obligations made to the State of New York and the horsemen. In past years, unilateral action by the track reducing four race days at the end of the meet was met with a penalty for not racing awarded race days.

It is significant to point out that race dates have been reduced over time in good faith negotiations from over 100, down to 90 and just last year, down six more to 84. We have offered to cooperate with management and explore other options and have suggested that if the available revenue is less than last year, we understand that purses may need to take a cut as management has informed us.

We remain available to talk with management and advised them of our willingness to do so, but we have not heard from them. We do not, however, negotiate in the press, and will not engage in anything like back-door negotiations by that means.

As the statutorily recognized horsemen’s association and recognized by management as the sole bargaining representative for all participating horsemen at Vernon Downs, we do not enjoy being put in the position of pawns in the effort to force the legislature to reduce the tax rate.

For more information contact Richard Papa, president, at 315.829.3872.