by Jason Settlemoir, regional VP of racing operations, Vernon Downs

Vernon, NY — Friday night’s opening card at Vernon Downs has been cancelled due to insufficient entries.

Only 140 entries were received this morning for a Friday-Saturday double draw. Around 180 would be needed to fill two cards. Instead of going forward with two short cards, management has decided to combine the entries into a competitive 13-race card for Saturday, April 7.

“It was not a great surprise that we had a shortage of fit horses to put on our opening weekend cards. The weather conditions were very tough for the area horsemen this winter; many of them had expressed concerns over whether they would be ready in time for the start of the meet,” said Race Secretary Nick Salvi.

Vernon will transfer opening night activities to Saturday night with a post time of 6:45 p.m. Next week, Vernon will begin their Thursday, Friday and Saturday schedule until the opening of their sister track, Tioga Downs, on May 11, when they will begin a Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday schedule.

“Our best foot will go forward Saturday night when we go to the post at 6:45 p.m. with 13 quality races at Vernon Downs. We are very excited and optimistic about what 2007 will bring us in terms of racing here at the track. Some of the best horses in North America will race with us throughout the summer in our blockbuster stakes events,” said Jason Settlemoir, VP of Racing and Simulcast for both Vernon and Tioga Downs.