Vernon, NY — Primo Uomo (Jeff Gregory) captured the $8,500 featured Open Pace at Vernon Downs on Saturday (Aug. 15) in a wire-to-wire effort.
Starting on the outside in the six-horse field, Primo Uomo ($4.62) charged to the quarter in :27.1 before using a :29.1 second quarter to be first to the half in :56.2. Fasnacht Hanover (Rene Goulet) was first to make a move as they headed for the final lap but couldn’t get close as Primo Uomo led to three quarters in 1:24.3.
As they reached the stretch, second place finisher Natameri (Jacquavyian Carter) went all out after the leader, but Primo Uomo found another gear and won easily in 1:52. Mayhem Like Me (Tim Deaton) finished third.
Primo Uomo is a 6-year-old gelding by Heston Blue Chip. He is trained by David Dewhurst for owners Chris and Dale Lawton. It was his seventh win in 2026. He has reached the winner’s circle 38 times in his career.
Lancaster Bomber (Jimmy Whittemore) captured the Shari, Carol, and Howard (Sr.) Okusko Memorial Pace Saturday by a neck over Jk Mcflirt. He is owned by Christina Miller and trained by Bobby Gale.
Favorite Hot Joe (Joe Nassimos) won the Oliver Peterson Memorial Pace with a 1:57.2 clocking. He is owned by JC’s Get R Done Stable and trained by Kayla Lum.
Whittemore, Gregory, and Chris Long all collected driving doubles.
Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Thursday (Aug. 20) with a post time of 5:05 p.m. There is no live racing on Friday (Aug. 21). For more information visit www.vernondowns.com.