Vernon, NY — Hambletonian winning trainer George Ducharme notched the 1,000th training win of his career with Bluesville (Frank Affrunti) at Vernon Downs on Friday (April 29).

Hambletonian winning trainer George Ducharme notched the 1,000th training win of his career with Bluesville at Vernon Downs on Friday. Fotowon photo.

Ducharme is best known for his 2013 Hambletonian win with Royalty For Life but he will never forget training win number 1,000 with Bluesville ($4.00).

Bluesville is a 3-year-old pacing colt by Huntsville. He got his first career win in 1:54.3.

Don’t Chip Me (John MacDonald) grabbed the featured $7,000 Fillies & Mares Open Pace.

Don’t Chip Me ($5.10) went straight to the front and was first to the quarter in :26.3. She used a :28.2 second quarter to hit the half in :55. So Diva (Brett Crawford) made a move going first-up heading for the final turn. Don’t Chip Me was first to three-quarters in 1:23.1.

As they made the turn for home, Don’t Chip Me found another gear and won easily in 1:53.1. So Diva held for second money. Islay N (Justin Huckabone) finished third.

Don’t Chip Me is a 5-year-old mare by Hypnotic Blue Chip. She is owned by Rick and Geoff Howles along with trainer John Hallett. It was her third win of the season and she now has 19 career victories.

Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Saturday (April 30) with a nine-race card starting at 6:05 p.m. For more information go to www.vernondowns.com.