VGMs back open at Vernon

The operation of the video gaming machines (VGM) at Vernon Downs resumed at 10 a.m. today after being closed at noon Wednesday due to a waterline break. The simulcast wagering facilities remain closed. The stable area was not affected by the incident.

The break occurred in the main waterline from the water tower at Vernon Downs and forced the complete shutdown of the entire facility around noon Wednesday. The entire facility remained closed Thursday.

The break is believed to have been caused by the recent snowstorm and cold temperatures.

“We are now getting city water, but it is only enough to open the VGM building,” Jason Settlemoir, Vernon’s vice president of racing and simulcasting told harnessracing.com this morning. “So, the hotel and the racetrack operations, i.e. simulcasting, will remain closed until we can get enough water pressure to get all three of those areas open.

“It is not affecting the backstretch at this point. The horses and horsemen are able to get water.

Settlemoir said there was an extensive search to find someone to repair the break. “We have got two repair companies coming in, one from Syracuse and one from Canada, today,” said Settlemoir. “They say that in less than a week they should have the tower back in operation.”

Settlemoir said it would depend upon the amount of water the racetrack can get from the city and the water pressure as to when the simulcast facility will re-open.

“At this point were in a wait-and-see mode. We should know more later today,” Settlemoir added.

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