Vernon, NY — Chatelroll (Frank Affrunti) captured the $7,000 Open Pace at Vernon Downs on Saturday (May 29).  Chris Long drove four winners on the card.

Bruce’s Magic (Leon Bailey) went to the front and led to the first quarter in :26.4.  He continued to lead to the half in :55.  Boys Turn (Josh Kinney) was first to make a move as they headed for the far turn.  Chatelroll ($5.50) found himself second over fourth.  He would then come flying three-wide around the final turn to take the lead hitting three-quarters first in 1:23.

Chateroll turned it on in the stretch but had to hold off a late charge from runner-up Rollinlikethunder (John MacDonald) who finally found an opening in deep stretch. Chatelroll won in a seasonal best time of 1:50.4.  Bruce’s Magic also made a late bid to finish a close third.

Chaetlroll is a 5-year-old horse by Roll With Joe.  He is owned by the Purple Haze Stables and trained by George Ducharme.  It was his third win in 2021.  He now has 14 career victories.

Chris Long got his grand slam with Tragically Hep ($29.40), Immaculate Prayer ($5.00), Meadowbrook Crown ($3.80), and Caravelle ($15.40).

Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Friday (June 4) as the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) take center stage featuring 3-year-old trotting colts and geldings as well as 3-year-old trotting fillies starting at 6:10 p.m.

For more information go to www.vernondowns.com