Driver Leon Bailey and trainer Michelle Warner both put together strong performances over a sloppy track on closing day of the 2025 season at Vernon Downs to punctuate their dash-winning titles on Saturday, Nov. 15.
Warner tripled to close out the meet as Captain Conan ($4.24), Poker Play ($2.86) and Valor ($11.22) all won for the trainer. She brought her final total to 41, two clear of second-placed David Dewhurst. Gary Gibson finished third with 38.
Bailey's three wins during the finale were enough to wrap up his second straight driving title with 112 wins. Chris Long had a grand slam on the card, but the final flurry fell short by two tallies. Jimmy Whittemore rounded out the top three with 61 wins.
Gold Star Sven ($11.32) took the $11,972 featured pace, sitting third for Steeven Genois while Bluesville (Ron Harp) led through the early fractions of :28 and :58.1. Aces Or Bettor (Bailey) then came first-up and pressed Bluesville to three-quarters in 1:26.2. As they reached the stretch, Gold Star Sven made his move, going stride-for-stride with Bluesville before finding a late burst to win by a half-length in 1:54.1. Aces Or Bettor finished third.
Gold Star Sven, a six-year-old gelding by Hypnotic Blue Chip-Pacific Date, has won 17 times in 107 career starts. He is owned by Kathryn Rea and trained by John Stubits.
Forty Gs was named the track's Trotter of the Year. In 10 starts at Vernon, he had seven wins and two seconds for owners Mitchell Frair, Donna Duer and trainer Roman Lopez. The four-year-old stallion by Muscle Hill-Sheer Glide is 12-for-17 lifetime.
Live racing returns to Vernon Downs in April 2026. The track's management bids thank you to all the fans, horsepeople and employees.
(With files from Vernon Downs; photo of Gold Star Sven winning on Nov. 15)