Firm Wants to Restart Racing

VERNON, N.Y. -- A company that is proposing to buy the troubled Vernon Downs harness track for $38 million wants to restart live racing and operate video lottery terminals.

The offer by Casinopartners Management Inc., which operates casinos in several countries, is now before a judge handling the racetrack's bankruptcy.

"A lot of good people have suffered through no fault of their own," Eddie Lynn, Casinopartners president and chief operating officer, said of the track's employees.

An attorney for Vernon Down's parent company, Mid-State Raceway, said the track received bids from several interested parties, but said Casinopartners' offer was the most appealing.

Vernon Downs has been seeking a buyer since spring 2004. Racing at Vernon Downs ended for the season July 23, shortly after horsemen complained that the track had bounced $21,000 in prize checks. Authorities are investigating those allegations.