Defending three-time Vernon Downs driving champion John MacDonald won five races on Saturday, May 26 while Redhot Romeo captured the $5,100 featured pace.

Redhot Romeo went to the front and never looked back. Owned and trained by Melissa Beckwith, he put up all the fractions, going :26.4, :55.3 and 1:24.0 before winning in 1:52.1. Danza finished second and Stubble Trouble took third.

Redhot Romeo is a four-year-old gelding by Shadow Play. He won for the fourth time this season and the fifth time for his career. The winning time of 1:52.1 is a lifetime best. Driven by Claude Huckabone III), he paid $3.40 to win.

MacDonald picked up his five wins with Southeaster ($2.20), Ben N Crosby ($2.30), Lucid Thoughts ($3.20), Weapon To Win ($4.40), and Fire On The Water ($29.00).

Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Memorial Day Monday, May 28 featuring the $500,000 Empire Breeders Classic (EBC) trotting finals at Vernon Downs. One field features sophomore fillies and the other one features sophomore colts. The supporting card includes consolations for both EBC finals and the $120,000 New York Sire Stakes, divided into three divisions, for three-year-old colt pacers. Post time for the 13-race card is 1:05 p.m.