Miriam Toland, the 74-year-old phenom, proved once again she can mix it up with the guys as she took Fleetwood Hall to victory in the mud and the rain on Friday at Vernon Downs.
Fleetwood Hall ($12.40) was parked for over half the race and gutted out a win, holding off a late charge by Lugar and Jimmy Whittemore in 1:59.1.
Toland earned her first driving win of the year and 44th lifetime. She also has four training triumphs in 2019, putting her career total at 69.
A Vernon Downs press release noted that Toland works out daily and is as fit as a 40-year-old.
Majestic Fire and driver Dan Daley won Friday's $7,000 featured trot in 1:54.3.
Vernon Downs will host live racing on Saturday featuring the $330,000 Dr. Harry M. Zweig Memorial Trot for three-year-old colts and its $135,000 filly companion Grand Circuit stakes. There will also be two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes for two-year-old pacing colts and geldings as well as a $5,000 guaranteed Pick 4. Free Zweig hats will be given out with a purchase of a live Vernon Downs program while supplies last. The 12-race card starts at 6:10 p.m.
(With files from Vernon Downs)