Vernon Downs wrapped up its 2010 race season this past weekend in Vernon, New York for the 57th time in track history. A total of 13 track records highlighted the
90-day race meet.
The all-age trotting track record was lowered to 1:52 by Lucky Jim (driven by Andy Miller) on September 17 in the Credit Winner Open Trot. Stonebridge Wish posted the fastest mile of the season with a 1:49.4 score on June 5 which equalled the fastest mile in Vernon Downs’ history.
Yursa Hanover (Dan Dube) captured the fourth edition of the Conway Hall Trot when she upset defending champion Buck I St Pat in 1:54.2.
Also highlighting the 2010 stakes schedule was the Empire Breeders’ Classic for sophomore trotting fillies. Southwind Samurai (Pat Berry) captured the event in a stakes-record time of 1:54.4. The Bjorn Noren trainee upset Impressive Kemp, to take home the lion’s share of the $234,900 purse.
In the $235,900 final of the Empire Breeders’ Classic for three-year-old trotting colts, Strong Hope (Ron Pierce) upset a field of nine at odds of 15-1 to post a 1:55.2 victory for trainer Noel Daley.
Tracy Brainard was crowned 2010 Trainer of the Year on Saturday night, while Jimmy Whittemore defended his Driver of the Year title to make it two in a row for the young Maine native.
“We would like to thank all the fans who supported us for the 2010 race season," said Jason M. Settlemoir, VP of racing and simulcast. "We continue to bring in some of the top horses and drivers in the country for many marquee races during the heart of the stakes season. We look forward to another successful year in 2011 and wish everyone the best in the offseason."
(Vernon Downs)