The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
65years of local harness racing
Tracks kicks off 2018 season with Opening Day ceremony, races
VERNON, N.Y. » In July of 1953, Vernon Downs opened its track to the public for the first time, offering Central NewYorkers a place to enjoy the spring, summer, and fall weather with the constant reverberations of harnessed horses to keep their measure. On Friday, April 20, Vernon Downs kept this tradition alive, opening the track to the public for the 65th consecutive year.
Last year, the 64th annual opening was postponed due to inclement weather, and despite Friday’s weather being 37 degrees with gusts of wind, peo- ple throughout the area entered through the gates to watch the first races of the year.
Syracuse local bugler Jeff Stockham sounded off to commence the Opening Day activities at Vernon Downs. “I’ve been playing brass instruments for the past 50 years,” says Stock-
ham. “I’ve been playing here for the past 15 years, They bring me in for opening and closing day as well as the stakes races.”
Speaking on the impact Vernon Downs has on the community Stockham said, “Vernon Downs brings in a lot of clientele from all over the area, which helps out the community economically.”
Since its inception, the tradition of going to the track not only resides in Vernon Downs but also in the people who use the event to come together. Sitting with her husband and two children, Tonya Barnes ref lects on her countless memories of going to the track. “It is so exciting for us, especially because my family races. Ever since I was little I have been coming here.”
Her brother LouisMiller and cousin Michael Miller race at the track and previously would watch her father and grandfather race at the track.
Truman Gale’s “Tiger Boudoir” won the first race of the season. After the day’s races, the night was capped off with a fireworks performance.
With the conclusion of the 65th Opening Night at the track, horse racing enthusiasts will be able to return to watch live harnessed racing Thursday through Saturday from now until early November. On top of the normal, scheduled races, Vernon Downs will also host a few Sunday races as well as accustomed holiday Monday Matinee races. Some of the tracks most competitive races this season include the Empire Breeders Classic, which runs on May 18 andMay 28, and the Zweig Memorial on Aug. 17.