Vernon, NY – Driver Chris Long had a Saturday night to remember at Vernon Downs on Oct. 10 as he brought home six winners on the 15-race card.
Long won race 4 with Ariana Isonthehunt. He took races 6 and 7 with American Pastime and Moni’s Heaven Cent. Then, he got a natural hat trick winning races 10-12, bringing Usurp Hanover, Rubyndiamond, and Rose Run Ashlee to the winner’s circle.
NY Jim, driven by John MacDonald, won Saturday’s $6,500 featured pace. NY Jim led to the quarter in :26.2 before Aces Or Bettor (driven by Long) took control and was first to the half in :54.4. Airbourne Spark (Leon Bailey) came first-up to challenge heading around the final turn. Aces Or Bettor led to three-quarters in 1:23.4.
As they reached the stretch, third-place finisher Airbourne Spark was on the outside and second-place finisher Aces Or Bettor was in between horses. NY Jim then slipped through near the cones and went right on by to win in 1:52.3.
NY Jim is a 5-year-old gelding by American Ideal. He is owned by Fortunate One LLC, and trained by MacDonald. It was his 10th win this season and his 12th career victory. He paid $6.44 to win.
Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Friday (Oct. 16) with a post time of 5:05 p.m. (EDT).