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

Nichols, NY — Tioga and Vernon Downs are proud to announce the addition of the John Simpson Memorial Stakes to their 2010 stakes schedule.

The Simpson Stakes, named for legendary trainer John Simpson, Sr., are filled with rich harness racing tradition.

“I’m happy to see the races held at Tioga and Vernon, especially Vernon,” said James Simpson, President & CEO of Hanover Shoe Farms, the current owner of the Simpson Stakes. “My father (John Simpson) based his Grand Circuit stable at Vernon for many years and we’ve always held a soft spot in our heart for Vernon. I am also impressed by the way Tioga and Vernon market the racing product as well; they will be a great place to continue on the Simpson tradition.”

“It’s an honor to have the historic Simpson races at Tioga and Vernon. We will continue to honor the Simpson legacy at both our tracks by playing host to these tradition filled races,” said Jason Settlemoir, VP of Racing & Simulcast for Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs.

The Simpson Stakes, for 2- and 3-year-old pacers and trotters, will be split up among the two tracks. The 3-year-old trotters will race at Vernon Downs on Saturday, May 22, followed by the 3-year-old pacers a day later, Sunday, May 23, at Tioga Downs. All 2-year-olds will race at Vernon Downs on Thursday, October 7, and Friday, October 8.

Vernon Downs’ 90-day meet kicks off on Friday, April 16, at 6:55 p.m. Tioga Downs will open its 57-day meet on Saturday, May 1, at 6:50 p.m. (both pending regulatory approval).

For more information on the Simpson Stakes, including entry forms and lists of eligibles, please visit the Hambletonian Society Web site at www.hambletonian.org. For information on Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs, please visit www.tiogadowns.com and www.vernondowns.com.