Vernon Downs

Vernon Downs is a harness horse racing track, racino and entertainment facility located in the town of Vernon in central New York. The 7/8 mile track is widely regarded as the best surface in New York. The live racing season runs from April through November. Major highlights of the schedule include the $350,000 Zweig Memorial Trot for 3-year-olds and the $200,000 Credit Winner and Muscle Hill Trots for aged horses.
Vernon Downs History
Opened July 1, 1953 in the beautiful rolling hills of Central New York, Vernon Downs offers a long running history of fast paced Harness Racing. From April to November the track features some of the finest races in the area. In 2009, Vernon Downs was the home of The Night of Champions bringing in over 2,000 people to enjoy the greatest names in racing.
The track hosts live and simulcast harness racing, video gaming, & rock music concerts. Besides having been the original home of the annual K-Rockathon concert, it has been host to many large venue acts such as Phish. It has a 173 suite hotel and fine dining restaurant. The Casino at Vernon Downs now features 767 gaming machines.
In 2003, after allegations of fraud, a group of Vernon Downs shareholders filed a lawsuit seeking to gain control of the track from Las Vegas investor Shawn Scott. The New York State Racing and Wagering Board withheld the track's 2004 license after Scott and the track president were determined by regulators to be unfit to operate the facility.
The track went bankrupt in August of 2004 and didn't reopen until August, 2006 under the current owners, American Racing and Entertainment LLC.
On February 11, 2008, the casino closed down after the New York State Assembly's Racing and Wagering Committee failed to pass a bill that would allow Vernon Downs and other racinos in New York pay less in taxes to the state. Legislation was quickly passed and ownership reopened the casino three days later.
In 2013, the New York Gaming Commission made the decision to suspend live racing after a confirmed case of equine herpes was discovered at the track.
It may not have the classy and sophisticated atmosphere of the Belmont or Saratoga Race Track but Vernon Downs certainly doesn't lack anything. An entertaining place for the whole family, this harness raceway combines harness racing and betting with the video gaming and restaurants. Dining options include the Trackside Deli, the Miracle Mile Restaurant & Bar and Lucky's Restaurant & Bar on most days of the week. On race days the track features the Gold Cup Buffet.
Vernon Downs Live Horse Racing Schedule
April - November
Post Time at Vernon Downs
6:45pm Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
Vernon Downs Track Code
VD
Vernon Downs Wagering
Takeout
Win, Place, Show: 18%
Daily Double & Exacta: 20%
All other exotics: 25%
Current Weather Conditions at Vernon Downs
Vernon Downs Contact Information
Mailing Address:
Vernon Downs Casino and Hotel
4229 Stuhlman Road
Vernon, NY 13476
Website: www.vernondowns.com
Horse Betting News
-
Horse Racing Results
Graded stakes horse racing results & video race replays. Watching race replays is an invaluable handicapping tool for horse betting. -
2021 Frank E. Kilroe Mile Contenders and Odds
Flavius, Social Paranoia & Ride a Comet headline the Grade 1, $400,000 Frank E. Kilroe Mile at Santa Anita Park on Saturday, March 6. -
2021 Santa Anita Handicap Contenders and Odds
Maxfield headlines a field of eigth in the Grade 1, $400,000 Santa Anita Handicap at Santa Anita Park on Saturday, March 6. -
2021 Gotham Stakes Contenders & Odds
Road to the Kentucky Derby stops at Aqueduct Racetrack for the Grade 3 $300,000 Gotham Stakes on Saturday, March 6. -
2021 Tampa Bay Derby Contenders & Odds
The 41st Grade 2, $400,000 Tampa Bay Derby at Tampa Bay Downs on Saturday, March 6 is a Kentucky Derby points race. -
2021 San Felipe Stakes Contenders and Odds
Kentucky Derby points are up for grabs in the Grade 2, $300,000 San Felipe at Santa Anita Park on Saturday, March 6. -
2021 Tom Fool Handicap Contenders & Odds
Wendell Fong looking for elusive win in the Grade 3 $200,000 Tom Fool Handicap on Saturday, March 6 at Aqueduct. -
2021 Blue Grass Stakes Contenders & Odds
Preview the field and odds for the Grade 2, $800,000 Blue Grass Stakes, offering 100 Kentucky Derby points to the winner, on Saturday, April 3 at K... -
2021 Fountain of Youth Stakes Contenders & Odds
Kentucky Derby points are up for grabs in the Grade 3, $300,000 Fountain of Youth Stakes Saturday, February 27 at Gulfstream Park.