Vernon, NY – Discus Hanover (Leon Bailey) held off Credit List (Justin Huckabone) to capture the $7,000 Open Trot at Vernon Downs on Saturday (July 24).

Discus Hanover held off Credit List to capture the $7,000 Open Trot at Vernon Downs on Saturday. Fotowon Photo.

Discus Hanover ($6.90) took the lead just before hitting the first quarter first in :25.4.  Spoiler Alert (Truman Gale) came along side to challenge as they reached the backstretch.  Discus Hanover led to the half in :56.1.  As they moved around the final turn, the favorite, Credit List (Justin Huckabone), made his move.  Discus Hanover led to three-quarters in 1:25.4.

In the stretch, Discus Hanover braced for the late charge of Credit List.  Discus Hanover dug in as Credit List just kept coming.  In the end, Discus Hanover held off second-place finisher Credit List to win by a length in 1:54.4.  Frisky Joe (Ben McNeil) finished third.

Discus Hanover is a 4-year-old gelding by Credit Winner.  He is owned by Phillip Hale and trainer David Dewhurst.  It was his seventh win this season.  He now has 23 career victories.

Leon Bailey drove three winners on the card and leads all drivers with 65 wins.  Justin Huckabone is second on the list with 31 victories. Chris Long had three wins tonight and is third with 25 trips to the winner’s circle.  Jimmy Whittemore (21) and John MacDonald (20) round out the top five.

Jeff Sorenson leads all trainers with 17 wins.  Jessica Okusko and Bruce Lauer are tied for second with 14 wins a piece.  Justin Huckabone (13) and Gary Gibson (11) round out the top five.

On a side note, the amazing 76-year-old Miriam Toland went gate-to-wire with First Response ($10.60) in the fifth race.  Toland is believed to be the oldest woman to win a pari-mutuel race.

Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Friday (July 30).  Post time is 6:10 p.m.

For more information go to www.vernondowns.com.