Vernon Downs Harness Racing
Vernon Downs is a horse track in Vernon, New York that features harness racing. Located approximately 30 miles east of Syracuse and 12 miles west of Utica, the track is found in a picturesque, rural setting in the geographic center of upstate New York.
Vernon Downs began racing operations on July 1, 1953. Its prominent reputation in the harness racing industry has been painstakingly built on quality, competitive racing and fast miles. The legendary pacer Adios Harry christened Vernon Downs as "The Home of the Miracle Mile" with his 1:55 world record performance in July of 1955, a racing standard that stood for 18 years.
For more than 50 years, many of harness racing's brightest stars, equine as well as human, competed in Vernon Downs' unique three-quarter mile track. However since July 1, 2000, horses have been racing over a modern 7/8ths-mile oval.
In 2004, Vernon Downs faced severe financial difficulties amid declining attendance and competition from larger tracks and casinos, leading to its closure in July after years of struggle. The track remained shuttered through 2005 as bankruptcy proceedings unfolded, but in 2006, New York real-estate developer and harness racing enthusiast Jeff Gural purchased it out of bankruptcy through American Racing & Entertainment LLC. That year marked a revival with an abbreviated 30-day meet, the addition of video lottery terminals (VLTs) to bolster purses and sustainability, and the first post-reopening race won by Bob's Ring Of Fire driven by Chuck Connor Jr.
Financial challenges resurfaced in 2017, when competition from new commercial casinos caused losses, delaying the season start and threatening fall closure, though tax adjustments allowed a strong finish described as a "banner year." A more serious crisis emerged in 2023, as owner Jeff Gural announced potential closure by year's end due to $2 million in losses the prior year and expired tax relief, filing a WARN notice affecting 250 jobs; however, state legislation signed in October provided relief, ensuring continued operations.
Through 2024 and 2025, Vernon Downs maintained full racing seasons from April to November, completing its 72nd season in 2025 with ongoing stakes events and no major disruptions reported, solidifying its role as a resilient harness racing venue blending historic "Miracle Mile" legacy with modern racino amenities.
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Vernon Downs Track Records
| PACERS | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One Mile Distance | ||||
| Year | Horse Name | Driver | Age / Breed | Time |
| 1955 | Adios Harry | Luther Lyons | Aged horse | 01:55.0 |
| 2014 | Tomy Terror | Corey Callahan | 2-year-old colt | 01:50.2 |
| 2015 | Travel Playlist | Marcus Miller | 2-year-old colt | 01:49.2 |
| 2022 | Vivians Dream | Jordan Stratton | 2-year-old filly | 01:50.4 |
| 2019 | Shake That House | Brian Sears | 3-year-old colt | 01:47.4 |
| 2024 | Stepabovetherest | Braxten Boyd | 3-year-old filly | 01:49.4 |
| 2024 | Tarrific | Jason Bartlett | 3-year-old filly | 01:49.4 |
| 2020 | Splash Brother | Tyler Buter | 3-year-old gelding | 01:49.0 |
| 2021 | Cattlewash | David Miller | 4-year-old gelding | 01:49.0 |
| 2007 | Armbro Dancer | Ron Pierce | 4-year-old mare | 01:50.1 |
| 2013 | JK Panache | Jim Morrill Jr. | 4-year-old gelding | 01:49.1 |
| 2012 | He’s Gorgeous | Tim Tetrick | Aged gelding | 01:48.3 |
| 2008 | My Little Dragon | Brian Sears | Aged mare | 01:49.4 |
| 2015 | Venus Delight | Jason Bartlett | Aged mare | 01:49.4 |
| 2015 | Fireyourguns | Jim Morrill Jr. | Aged gelding | 01:47.3 |
| 2015 | JK Panache | Frank Davis | Aged gelding | 01:47.3 |
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| TROTTERS | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One Mile Distance | ||||
| Year | Horse Name | Driver | Age / Breed | Time |
| 2014 | Crazy Wow | Dan Rawlings | 2-year-old colt | 01:54.0 |
| 2023 | Keep Asking | Scott Zeron | 2-year-old colt | 01:54.0 |
| 2017 | Atlanta | Mark Macdonald | 2-year-old filly | 01:54.0 |
| 2013 | Lightning Force | John Campbell | 2-year-old gelding | 01:55.0 |
| 2013 | A Penny Earned | J. Whittemore | 4-year-old horse | 01:53.1 |
| 2016 | Hannelore Hanover | Yannick Gingras | 4-year-old mare | 01:51.3 |
| 2013 | Intimidate | Ron Pierce | 4-year-old gelding | 01:51.0 |
| 2011 | San Pail | Randy Waples | Aged horse | 01:51.1 |
| 2014 | Maven | Yannick Gingras | Aged mare | 01:52.0 |
| 2023 | Whats The Word | C. Connor Jr. | Aged horse | 01:52.0 |
| 2018 | Atlanta | Scott Zeron | 3-year-old filly | 01:50.3 |
| 2023 | Kierkegaard K | Åke Svanstedt | 3-year-old colt | 01:50.3 |
| 2024 | Dame Good Time | Scott Zeron | 3-year-old gelding | 01:51.1 |
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Top Five Winningest Drivers In Vernon Downs
- John Stark Jr. - stands as one of the most influential figures in Vernon Downs history. Rising to prominence in the mid-1980s, he secured multiple driving titles and achieved thousands of career wins, earning millions in purse money along the way. Known not only for his driving skills but also for his talent as a trainer, Stark guided standout horses like Bunny Lake to national recognition, and his career is highlighted by multiple Vernon Downs championships and several horses trained to national stakes victories.
- Gary Gibson - a dominant presence at Vernon Downs during the 1970s and 1980s, consistently ranking among the track's top winners. Renowned for his consistency and mastery of the sport, Gibson earned four driving championships at Vernon Downs and frequently placed in the top five in seasonal wins, while also competing in prestigious events such as the Hambletonian, solidifying his legacy as one of Central New York's most respected drivers.
- Truman Gale - emerged as a reliable and accomplished driver in the 2010s, quickly establishing himself as a formidable competitor at Vernon Downs. Known for his steady performances and ability to consistently place horses in the winner's circle, Gale's career highlights include serving as a leading provisional driver, posting multiple seasons with over 100 wins, and achieving numerous top finishes in stakes races at the track.
- Jimmy Whittemore - a modern-era star of Vernon Downs, with a career that spans decades and includes thousands of victories. Celebrated for his strategic racing style and consistent ability to deliver multiple winners on race nights, Whittemore has amassed over 2,000 career wins, earned numerous multi-win nights at Vernon Downs, and maintained a long-standing presence among the track's seasonal top drivers.
- Leon Bailey - represents the current generation of top drivers at Vernon Downs. Known for his tactical skill and competitive drive, Bailey frequently leads seasonal standings and has delivered record-tying performances on the track. His career highlights include multiple seasonal driving titles, single-night record-tying victories, and consistently ranking among the track's elite reinsmen, establishing him as one of the premier drivers of today.
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Top Five Winningest Trainers In Vernon Downs
- David Dewhurst - established himself as one of Vernon Downs' most consistent and successful trainers. Known for his meticulous preparation and ability to bring out the best in every horse, Dewhurst regularly finishes at the top of the track's training standings. Over the years, he has guided numerous horses to victory across the Vernon racing calendar, earning both respect from peers and a loyal following among racing fans.
- Gary Gibson - is a veteran trainer whose experience spans decades. In addition to his accomplishments as a driver, Gibson has built a remarkable training career, developing multiple winners at Vernon Downs and maintaining a strong presence in seasonal standings. His deep knowledge of harness racing and tactical approach to preparing horses has made him a trusted and highly regarded figure in the Central New York racing community.
- Joseph Sansone - has quickly risen to prominence as a top trainer at Vernon Downs. With a talent for conditioning horses for consistent success, Sansone has achieved impressive seasonal win totals and established himself as a reliable and competitive presence at the track. His skill in preparing horses to excel on race days has made him a standout among the modern generation of trainers.
- Jessica Okusko - Jessica Okusko combines precision training with a keen eye for talent, consistently producing winning horses at Vernon Downs. Her career highlights include a strong win percentage, multiple victories on high-profile race cards, and regular appearances among the track's leading trainers. Okusko's reputation for excellence continues to grow as she develops some of the most competitive runners in the region.
- Michelle Warner - is recognized for her ability to maximize her horses' potential, earning her a spot among Vernon Downs' top trainers. Known for her strategic approach and consistent results, Warner regularly contends for seasonal titles and has guided numerous horses to high-profile wins, establishing herself as one of the most respected trainers at the track.
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Vernon Downs Track Facts
- Width of Stretches: 100 feet
- Homestretch Length: 900 feet
- Speed Rating: v1:58
- Standing Start Positions: 10
- Clubhouse Seating Capacity: 1,500
- Grandstand Seating Capacity: 3,500
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