by Jim Moran, publicity director, Vernon Downs

Vernon, NY — Nukamickie maintained his authority over the top pacers on the grounds and driver Howard Okusko, Jr. captured four of 10 races on Friday night (July 9) at Vernon Downs.

David and Marcelene Krol’s Nukamickie nailed down his fourth straight victory, third against Open competition, with a 1:52⁴ mile in the $5,000 featured eighth race. Trainer Tim Dunlap drove as the five-year-old speedster raced on the lead throughout the mile donnybrook and got up with a head bob in the final stride to hold off the onrushing Little Mister. All four of his wins have come over Vernon’s seven-eighths-mile course. The gritty showing increased his lifetime winnings to $239,490.

Okusko’s four win spree was his second at the meet, and the final first place finish moved him into a 39-all tie with Ruel “Dude” Goodblood, Jr. for the meet’s dash-winning leadership.

The three-time Vernon race-winning champ began his victory binge with Joann and Joe Thomson’s green pacer Speed Trooper in the second race. He took the third race with Richard Hallahan’s pacer Twin B Hotshot, secured the fourth with Richard Rougeau, Archie and Kathleen Mc Neil’s pacer Chesham Bois, and capped off the program with a tally behind Joel Wheeler, and the Mc Neil’s pacer Dance Man in the 10th contest.

There won’t be any live racing at the Downs on Saturday (July 10) due to a professional rodeo at the track, but there will be the usual afternoon and evening simulcasts.

Vernon’s next live harness program will be Wednesday, July 14 at 6:30 p.m.