by Nick Salvi, for Vernon Downs

Vernon, NY — Vernon Downs presents two new Late Closing events, an Open Pace and Open Trot for New York sired horses as a prelude to the New York Sires Stakes 2009 Night of Champions in September.

The races are dedicated to the memory of two men who made great and lasting contributions to the harness racing industry in New York State, Bruce Hamilton and James Crawford. Each race will offer an estimated purse of $65,000.

These Late Closers are scheduled to be raced on Friday, September 25, launching a weekend long celebration of the New York Sired Standardbred. Vernon Downs will host the $1.4 million NYSS Night of Champions on Saturday, September 26 and the annual yearling sale at nearby SUNY Morrisville University is set for Sunday, September 27.

Nomination to the inaugural Hamilton and Crawford Memorials will require a payment of $1,000, due by July 15. The entry fee will be $1,000. Information is available on the Vernon Downs Web site or by calling the Tioga Downs Race Office at (607) 699-7688.