Discus Hanover ($6) and driver Leon Bailey won the featured $9,200 Open 1 Trot at Vernon Downs on Friday (Sept. 9).
Star Track Hanover (Steeven Genois) charged right to the front as Discus Hanover followed in the two-hole. Star Track Hanover led to the quarter in :27.3, the half in :56.4 and three-quarters in 1:25.1. As they made the turn for home, Discus Hanover popped out of the pocket and challenged Star Track Hanover for the lead. The two battled all the way down the stretch as Discus Hanover surged on by to win in 1:53.4, equalling his lifetime mark. Lepanto (Jeff Sorenson) came up to finish second forcing Star Track Hanover to settle for third.
Discus Hanover is a five-year-old gelding by Credit Winner. He is owned by Phillip Hale and trainer David Dewhurst. The win was his fourth this season from 19 starts and he now has 32 career victories.
Bailey and Dewhurst combined for a double as they also won with Wyoming Cowboy ($7.30). Driver Frank Affrunti and trainer George Ducharme also took two with Rooster Bennett ($2.20) and Isaac ($5.70).
Live harness racing continues at Vernon Downs on Saturday, with an eight-race card starting at 6:05 p.m.
(With files from Vernon Downs)