Vernon, NY – Majestic Fire (Dan Daley) won the $7,000 featured trot at Vernon Downs on Friday (Aug. 16).

First Call (Homer Hochstetler) led to the first quarter in :26.3.  She was pressured all the way around the first turn by Spoiler Alert (Howard Parker).  First Call finally shook off Spoiler Alert as she was first to the half in :54.4.  Majestic Fire ($3.40) was fifth at the half and came first over as First Call hit three-quarters in 1:25.

Majestic Fire captured the Vernon Downs feature on Friday night. Photo by Fotowon.

Majestic Fire, who is owned by Joshua Cukerstein and trained by Wayne Cukerstein, went to the front in the stretch and held off a late charge by second-place finisher Winning Princess (Jennifer Lappe) to win by three-quarters of a length in 1:54.3.  First Call held on for third.

Majestic Fire is a 4-year-old gelding by Majestic Son.  It was his sixth win this season.  He now owns 12 career victories.

Gates Brunet drove two winners on the night.  He trained and drove Gracie Lane ($6.70) to her first lifetime victory  His other win came with the R. Nifty Norman-trained Spoiled Princess ($2.30).

Miriam Toland, the 74-year-old phenom, proved once again she can mix it up with the guys as she drove Fleetwood Hall to victory in the mud and the rain.  Fleetwood Hall ($12.40) was parked for more than half the race and gutted out a win holding off a late charge by Lugar (Jimmy Whittemore).  Toland works out daily and is fit as a 40-year-old.

Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Saturday (Aug. 17) featuring the $330,000 Dr. Harry M. Zweig Memorial trot for 3-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 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings as well as a $5,000 guaranteed Pick-4.

In addition, there is a free Zweig hat giveaway with the purchase of a live Vernon Downs program while supplies last.  The 12-race card starts at 6:10 p.m.

For more information go to www.vernondowns.com.