So Diva captured the $7,700 Fillies & Mares Open at Vernon Downs on Saturday (July 2). 

So Diva pushed the gate open and led to the quarter in :28.2.  Purameri came first over and battled for the lead. Purameri held a short lead and was first to the half in :56.1. So Diva reclaimed the lead and led to three-quarters in 1:24.1. 

As they made the turn for home Treasurethosechips popped out of the pocket and came all out after the leader. So Diva had plenty left and won easily in 1:53.2. Treasurethosechips had to settle for second. Purameri finished third. 

So Diva is a four-year-old mare by So Surreal. She is owned by Morrisville College Foundation Inc. and trained by Kerin Warner. It was her third win this season and 15th victory. Steeven Genois drove the $2.70 winner.

Stormy and Frank Affrunti held on to win the Vernon Downs Mini-Horse Derby. 

Stormy used her little legs and forged to the front. Solstice and Josh Kinney came all out and challenged for the lead. Stormy dug in and held off the tiny charge of Solstice to get the Derby win. Napoleon and Dan Daley finished third as Odin and Justin Huckabone finished last of the four. 

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Stormy is a six-year-old pinto mare. She stands 32 inches tall and weighs 205 pounds. Vernon Downs would like to thank Elizabeth and Cindy Allers for furnishing the horses and all the equipment. A crowd of nearly 4,000 witnessed the races and were treated to a spectacular fireworks display. 

Live racing returns with a special matinee on Monday (July 4). The eight-race program starts at 12:15 p.m (EDT).

(Vernon Downs)