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Faraldo answers about Vernon's closing

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October 31, 2007

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Shortly after Vernon Downs' owner Jeff Gural reiterated his decision in a statement Tuesday to close Vernon Downs and not race the last four days of the race meet in November, Joe Faraldo, attorney for the Harness Horseman's Association of Central New York issued a statement that reads: "This is just a quick update on how Management at Vernon Downs has reacted against the horsemen, ostensibly for not supporting a legislative agenda that excluded, rather than embraced them; showing once again the need for their protection and why racing dates must be a part of a Lottery license.

"After announcing last week that Management would refuse to conduct the last four (4) scheduled nights of live racing at the oval (Nov 2, 3; Nov 9, 10), and that October 27 would be the last night of racing at Vernon, Management was directed by the New York State Racing and Wagering Board to fulfill its commitment pursuant to State law and contract and issue a condition sheet, permitting horsemen to enter and race on this coming Friday and Saturday.

"Yesterday, Management instructed horsemen at Vernon via telephone calls to their homes, announcements at the stable gate, and other means to resist entering their horses at other tracks, that Management had changed its mind, and that a condition sheet would be forthcoming. In reliance, numerous Vernon horsemen failed to enter at other tracks (the entry box closes at 9:00 a.m.) and awaited issuance of the promised condition sheet.

"Today, at 10:45 a.m., well past the time horsemen could enter overnight contests at Monticello, Batavia, Saratoga, Yonkers and out of state ovals, an announcement was made over the track's public address system, that Mr. Gural had changed his mind and that, despite the Racing Board's clear directive, he will not race the dates awarded Vernon by the Board for the balance of 2007.

"I don't know how the Board intends to deal with this licensee; what I do know is that over 100 horses will not race this Friday evening at New York tracks or any other venues due to the actions described."

Signed, Joe Faraldo, Esq., Attorney for the HHA of CNY

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