Hambletonian-winning trainer George Ducharme notched the 1,000th training win of his career with Bluesville (Frank Affrunti) during Friday evening’s card of racing at Vernon Downs.

Ducharme is be best known for his 2013 Hambo win with Royalty For Life, but he will never forget training win number 1,000 with Bluesville ($4.00). Bluesville is a three-year-old colt by Huntsville.

Dont Chip Me ($5.10) went straight to the front in the $7,000 Fillies & Mares Open Pace for driver John MacDonald and was first to the quarter in :26.3. She used a :28.2 second quarter to hit the half in :55. So Diva (Brett Crawford) was to make a move going first-up heading for the final turn. Dont Chip Me was first to three-quarters in 1:23.1.

As they made the turn for home Dont Chip Me found another gear and won easily in 1:53.1. So Diva held for second money. Islay N (Justin Huckabone) finished third.

Dont Chip Me is a five-year-old mare by Hypnotic Blue Chip. She is owned by Rick and Geoffrey Howles along with trainer John Hallett. It was her third win of the season. She now has 19 career victories.

Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Saturday (April 30) with a nine-race card starting at 6:05 p.m.

(Vernon Downs)