A race on dirt for two-year-old colts and fillies, the first part was run on the track's opening day in June and at a distance of 5½ furlongs throughout its term.
Each race originally carried a guaranteed purse of $10,000 and a bonus of $1,000 to the owners of any horse who won both parts.
[7] Further restrictive legislation was passed by the New York Legislature in 1910 which deepened the financial crisis for track operators and led to a complete shut down of racing across the state during 1911 and 1912.
After a 1911 amendment to the law to limit the liability of owners and directors was defeated, every racetrack in New York State shut down.
[10][11] John Madden was the dominant figure in both parts of the Double Event, winning the most races as both a trainer and as an owner.