by Jim Moran, Vernon Downs

VERNON, NY–Vernon Downs, preparing for a late-August opening pending approval by the New York State Racing and Wagering Board, conducted qualifying races for the first time in more than a year on Tuesday morning (Aug. 15).

Competing in bright sunshine and mid-70’s temperatures over Vernon’s 7/8ths-mile oval, Hard Shoe Hannah captured the fastest of 11 prep events, pacing to a decisive 1:56.2 victory for driver Chuck Connor, Jr. in the day’s sixth race. Shared in ownership by trainer Ray VanDreason, Gus and Alan Johnston of Syracuse, the 3-year-old mare hustled right to the front from the seven spot off the starting gate and led throughout the mile, drawing off in the stretch to defeat Prolific Pacer by 3 1/2 lengths.

The swiftest trotting test of the day went to William Vaney’s Defiant Looks, who highstepped to a 4 3/4-length triumph in 1:59.4 for driver Bill Bailey and trainer Jack Bailey, Vernon’s all-time driving champion.

Another noteworthy performance was turned in by the veteran trotter Muscle King, who reigned supreme in an eased up 2:02 for driver/trainer Gates Brunet. Theodore Gwertz and Deborah Brunet share ownership of the noted 6-year-old gelding. Vernon Downs, which closed in July of 2004, most recently conducted qualifying races on July 29 last year.

“This program marked another significant step forward in the continuing process of trying to get this historic track open again and our commitment to the local community and local horsemen to bring back live racing to Vernon Downs ,” said Jason Settlemoir, vice-president of racing operations for Vernon and Tioga Downs.