Western Toro and Jimmy Whittemore teamed up to capture the $3,500 featured pacing event on Independence Day (July 4) at Vernon Downs.

Gingertreefinnegan (John MacDonald) sprinted to the lead just before the first quarter and controlled fractions of :26.4, :56.2 and 1:25.4. Western Toro ($20.00) made his first-over move out of third place heading for the three-quarter pole, hitting another gear in the stretch to easily win in 1:53.4. Release The Terror (Roman Lopez) fired late to finish second, and Prince Aland (Truman Gale) was third best.

Western Toro is a 9-year-old gelding by Western Ideal owned and trained by Robert Gale. It was his first win this season and the 15th of his career.

Dan Daley recorded a driving double with Muscle Up Hazel ($5.80) and Pegasus Point ($7.80). Driver John MacDonald and trainer Misty Carey combined for a double as well, winning with Sharkbite Mike ($3.10) and Big Game ($3.00).

The large crowd on-track was entertained by a large display of fireworks after racing.

Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Friday (July 6) with a nine-race card starting at 6:10 p.m. For more information, go to www.vernondowns.com.

(Vernon Downs)