Whittemore wins 2,000th at Vernon Downs
June 30, 2024,Vernon, NY — It was a very momentous night at Vernon Downs as longtime driver Jimmy Whittemore got his 2000th career win as he captured the $7,500 featured pace with Galactic Storm. Also on Saturday (June 29) leading driver Leon Bailey tied the track record with seven wins on the card.
Driver Jimmy Whittemore earned his 2,000th career victory on Saturday with a win at Vernon Downs. Fotowon Photo.
In the feature Snap Call (John MacDonald) went to the lead and led to the quarter in :27.1. He used a :30.3 second to be first to the half in :57.4. Galactic Storm ($33) made his move first-up going around the final turn. Snap Call led to three-quarters in 1:26.2.
Second place finisher Snap Call and Galactic Storm battled all the way down the stretch. Galactic Storm used a late burst to get the win in 1:53.4. Scrub Hanover (Leon Bailey) finished third.
Galactic Storm is a 5-year-old gelding by American Ideal. He is owned and trained by Whittemore. It was his first win in 2024. He now has eight career victories.
Bailey has been on a tear for the past five weeks. It was the second time this season that he won seven races in a single card and the third time he has done it in his career. His wins tonight came with Usurp Hanover, Courtly Prince, Lady To Watch, he then drove Fear Her Touch to a dead heat with The Hunt Is On (Steeven Genios). His last three wins came with Go With The Flow, Twentysevenbelow, and Woodside Gabe.
Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Thursday (July 4) at 6:05 pm. We will feature the Zweig Memorial races with fireworks after live racing.
For more information, go to www.vernondowns.com.