by Jim Moran

Vernon, NY — Eight of 10 harness races beat 2:00 as Vernon Downs conducted its third qualifying session of 2009 on Friday, April 10.

Vernon will begin its 56th pari-mutuel season at 6:55 p.m. next Friday night, April 17. The track’s 90-card campaign is scheduled to continue through November 7.

Bobby J, a pacer owned by Ken Jacobs, turned in the day’s swiftest mile, a 1:57.3 effort for driver Claude Huckabone, Jr. and trainer Arnie Marks, in the first event.

Four of Friday’s miles were timed in 1:58.4, which proved to be the program’s second fastest clocking.

A total of 63 horses (24 trotters and 39 pacers) participated.

Vernon’s racing department will conduct a double draw on Tuesday, April 14, for the season’s initial two programs (April 17 and 18). All entries must be made before 9:00 a.m. on April 14. Conditions sheets are available by calling Racing Secretary Shane Hoehn at (315) 829-6816 or (315) 829-6818.

The track’s Opening Night card will include t-shirt and race-date magnet giveaways, plus an end-of-the-evening fireworks spectacular.