Yesterday there was a ribbon cutting and balloon drop ceremony to celebrate the opening of the eighth New York race track with gaming machines. Vernon Downs saw larger than expected crowds gathering to enter the new entertainment facility from 6:30 a.m., waiting to be allowed inside to play the 777 video lottery machines. The games, ranging from penny bets to US$5, were busy from the start.

It is hoped that the racino will now generate extra funds to support racing at Vernon Downs. An anticipated yearly US$17 million should also be returned for education in New York State and the racetrack owners hope to make as much as US$50 million. Harness racing at the track is twice a week until 25 November but the gaming machines will operate every day all year round. Before long a restaurant and buffet will be added.

Racing at Vernon Downs started in the summer of 1953 and built a reputation for quality racing over a fast course. Once known as the ‘Home of the Miracle Mile’ in recent years the track, just as many racetracks around the world, has felt the effect of declining visitor numbers. The newly opened Yonkers racino made US$3.8 million in its first week of operation, a figure that Vernon Downs would doubtless like to emulate. (E-10.27.06)

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