N.Y. track with Bangor ties gets reprieve

VERNON, N.Y. – A financially strapped New York harness racing track owned by the same man who is conditionally licensed to operate the track at Bass Park in Bangor has been given a legal reprieve in order to keep running.

Vernon Downs has been given an extension of a temporary restraining order that will allow it to continue operating at least until the end of February, according to track president Hoolae Paoa.

“We’re very pleased with the court’s decision,” Paoa, who took over as head of the track Dec. 28, said Friday of the state Supreme Court ruling. “This extension provides us with more time to correct outstanding compliance issues raised by the [state Racing and Wagering] board.”

Vernon Downs is owned by Hawaiian businessman Shawn Scott. Capital One LLC, a Las Vegas-based real estate development company owned by Scott, purchased Bangor Historic Track in July 2002.

The Maine Harness Racing Commission granted Bangor Historic Track a one-year license on Thursday to conduct racing at Bangor Raceway with the condition that Scott appear before the commission.

According to Fred Nichols, Bangor Historic Track general manager, the license is granted on a year-to-year basis. He said the commission’s request that Scott appear before it is nothing out of the ordinary.

In December, the New York State Racing and Wagering Board denied Vernon Downs the necessary licenses and permits to operate for the 2003 season. The track then secured a temporary restraining order from State Supreme Court in Albany that extended its simulcasting operation through Jan. 28.

Paoa said he was confident the harness track would be able to resolve the problem areas cited by the board. He said the company already had addressed several concerns, including security and fire inspection, and was negotiating a new contract with the Harness Horse Association of Central New York.