by Dustin Ross, Regional Racing Operations Manager, Vernon Downs

Vernon, NY — Vernon Downs has announced that one of the top Open mare trotting events in North America has been renamed the Muscle Hill. Recently known as the Conway Hall, the Muscle Hill Syndicate has stepped up to sponsor the event which will race for an estimated purse of $200,000.

“We are very pleased to be involved with the management of Vernon Downs in sponsoring this event,” stated Syndicate Manager Mike Klau of Southwind Farms. “Vernon has always been a great place to race trotters and we feel that this event always showcases the world’s best and that’s something that we felt that we could support.”

Recent winners of the event include world champion Passionate Glide in 2007, Falls For You in 2008 (in 1:53.1 which stands as the current stakes record), multiple world champion Buck I St Pat in 2009, and Yursa Hanover and Daniel Dube in 2010.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Muscle Hill Syndicate to showcase the best of the best trotting mares in the world for the Muscle Hill in 2011,” said Jason M. Settlemoir, VP of Racing and Simulcast for Vernon Downs. “Muscle Hill himself was a multiple world champion and was undoubtedly one of the best trotters to step foot on a racetrack. We are very proud that his name will live on in the industry, and will be a major stakes event at Vernon Downs.”

The Muscle Hill is scheduled for Friday, September 2, at Vernon Downs and will be co-featured with the $200,000 counterpart for Open Trotters, the Credit Winner.

For more information on Vernon Downs visit www.vernondowns.com.