Driver John MacDonald and trainer Jessica Okusko had a day to remember at Vernon Downs on Saturday, May 11.
MacDonald drove five winners on the 11-race card and four of them were trained by Okusko. They combined for their wins with Seven Year Itch ($5.40), Shirin ($3.10), Bourbon Express ($2.80) and Bold Express ($3.10). The track's defending driving champion earned his other win with Primo Uomo ($2.50) for trainer David Dewhurst.
The Saturday evening feature, a $10,274 conditioned pace, was won by Livonjaxandqueens ($4.10) in a career-best 1:50.1 with Leon Bailey working out the winning trip for trainer James Rothfuss. Howard Ouriel's homebred four-year-old son of American Ideal prevailed off a pocket trip by 2-3/4 lengths over the Okusko-trained slight favourite, Rock Solid Express, with MacDonald aboard. Old Pal and Truman Gale finished third.
Live harness racing resumes at Vernon Downs on Friday, May 17 at 6:05 p.m.
(With files from Vernon Downs; Photo of MacDonald and Primo Uomo in a previous win)