Discus Hanover held on to capture the featured $7,500 trot by a nose at Vernon Downs on Saturday (April 15).
Discus Hanover went straight to the front and led to a first quarter in :27.4 with Lepanto following in the pocket. Discus Hanover used a :30.2 second quarter to be first to the half in :58.1. He cruised to three-quarters in 1:27.2.
As they reached the stretch, the race was on. Lepanto popped out of the pocket and came after the leader. Discus Hanover dug in and Lepanto just kept coming and gave one late surge but had to settle for second best losing by a nostril. Discus Hanover won in 1:55.3. Halliama finished third best.
Discus Hanover is a six-year-old gelding by Credit Winner. He is owned by Phillip Hale and trainer David Dewhurst. After his successful season's debut, he now owns 33 victories. John MacDonald drove the $4.40 winner.
Frank Affrunti drove three winners on the card. John MacDonald and Dylan Huckabone-Miller each had driving doubles. Jack McNeil, Claude Huckabone III and Chip Zombick all recorded training doubles.
A crowd of over 1,700 started the 70th Anniversary season with a bang. Vernon Downs would like to thank the fans for making it a special day, all the employees for their hard work and all the horsepeople for putting on a fantastic show.
Live harness racing returns to Vernon Downs on Saturday, April 22 with a 6:05 p.m. (EDT) post time.
(Vernon Downs)