by Dustin Ross, regional racing operations manager, Tioga/Vernon Downs

Vernon, NY — Vernon Downs will host its first qualifying events of the year on Friday, April 3, at 11:00 a.m. to begin gearing up for its 2009 live race season.

Entries for the qualifying events should be into the Vernon Downs race office (315.829.6825) by 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 2.

There will be two more qualifiers held at Vernon Downs before live racing begins and the next qualifying day will also be press night. Press night will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, and qualifiers will go postward at 6:55 p.m.

The final prep for horses to be qualified for opening night will be held on Friday, April 10, at 11:00 a.m.

Vernon Downs kicks off its 2009 race season on Friday, April 17, with a post time of 6:55 p.m. Opening night giveaways will include race date t-shirts and 2009 race schedule magnets. There will also be a fireworks display following the races on opening night.

For more information on Vernon Downs please visit our Web site at www.vernondowns.com.