by John Pawlak, USTA marketing director

Columbus, OH — The balance of Vernon Downs’ live racing dates for 2008 were approved by the New York State Racing and Wagering Board at its monthly meeting on Monday, April 28, but the same panel fined the track $20,000 for canceling, without permission, the final four days of its 2007 meet.

The Board approved 86 racing dates for the central New York harness track: Live racing will next take place this Thursday, May 1, and continue through Nov. 8.

Last year, Vernon requested that the Board approve the cancellation of the final two weeks of live racing, but the panel denied the request. Despite that denial, Vernon cancelled the final four days of its meet, which led to Monday’s fine.