Vernon, NY — Discus Hanover (Leon Bailey) captured the $8,500 Open 1 Trot at Vernon Downs on Saturday (Oct. 30).

Discus Hanover (Leon Bailey) captured the $8,500 Open 1 Trot. Fotowon photo.

Discus Hanover ($3.40) charged right out of the gate and went to the front. He was first to the quarter in :27.4. Jenny Lake (Dan Daley) came first-up from third and battled for the lead as they headed to the half. Discus Hanover led to the half in :58. Jenny Lake and Discus Hanover battled all around the final turn. Jenny Lake took a short lead to three-quarters in 1:26.2.

As they made the turn for home, Jenny Lake went on a break and Discus Hanover reclaimed the lead. Purpose Blue Chip (Joe Nassimos) went all out and had a short lead in the stretch as Discus Hanover started to drift toward the stands. Discus Hanover would regain control and battled back to win in 1:55. Purpose Blue Chip had to settle for second as Spoiler Alert (Truman Gale) finished third.

Discus Hanover is a 4-year-old gelding by Credit Winner. He is owned by Philip Hale and trainer David Dewhurst. It was his 11th win of the year and he now has 27 career victories.

Leon Bailey leads all drivers at Vernon with 124 wins. Justin Huckabone is second on the list with 89 victories. Jimmy Whittemore is third with 54 trips to the winner’s circle. Chris Long (41) and Truman Gale (24) round out the top five.

Jeff Sorenson leads all trainers with 36 wins. Justin Huckabone has 33 victories for second best. Kerin Warner is third at 29 wins. Jessica Okusko is fourth best with 26 tallies. Marissa Chadbourne is fifth with 21 wins.

Vernon Downs returns for the last weekend of live racing on Friday (Nov. 5) at 6:10 p.m. For more information go to www.vernondowns.com.