Vernon, NY – Driver Leon Bailey celebrated his 40th birthday wi h style as he won six of the 12 races on the card including the $7,500 featured trot with City Of Hope at Vernon Downs on Friday (Oct. 23)\
In the feature, City Of Hope ($7.28) surged to the front and led to the quarter in :26.3. He used a :29.2 second quarter to be first to the half in :56.0. Immigrant Am S (Chris Long) was first to make a move heading first-up going around the final turn. City Of Hope led to three quarters in 1:25.1.
As they made the turn for home second place finisher Inquisitive Dan (John MacDonald) went all out after the leader but City Of Hope had plenty in the tank and won in 1:54.4. Swan Jewel (Jacob Cutting) finished third.
City Of Hope is a 6-year-old gelding by Met’s Hall. He is owned by Philip Hale and trainer David Dewhurst. It was his fifth win of the season and his 36th career victory.
Bailey got his other wins with Miley Rose, Discus Hanover, Onspeed, Bet Big On Blue, and Jesmach Onyx. Trainer Michelle Warner had a training hat trick.
Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Saturday (October 24) with a post time of 5:05 p.m. For more information go to www.vernondowns.com.