Vernon, NY — Exarch (Jimmy Whittemore) charges late to capture the $7,000 featured trot at Vernon Downs on Friday (November 10).

Exarch was impressive in victory in the feature at Vernon Downs on Friday. Fotowon Photo.

Purpose Blue Chip (Artie Dick) went to the lead and led to the quarter in :26.4.  He used a :29.2 second quarter to be first to the half in :56.1.  Purpose Blue Chip was well in command and led to three-quarters in 1:25.4.

As they made the turn for home Sweet Sofie T (Chris Long) popped the pocket and took the lead.  Exarch ($18.40) made his move three-wide in mid-stretch and just got by before the wire to win in 1:56.  Sweet Sofie T had to settle for second.  Mr. French (Joe Nassimos) came up to finish third.

Exarch is an 8-year-old gelding by Cantab Hall.  He is owned and trained by Angus MacDonald.  It was his second win this season and 21st career victory.

John MacDonald had a driving triple.  Jimmy Whittemore, Dylan Huckabone-Miller, and Chris Long had driving doubles.  Artie Dick had a driving-training double.  Chris McCracken and Margaret Spagnola had training doubles.

The horse people were all in the winner’s circle for a moment of silence in solidarity for all our comrades at Tioga Downs who suffered the horrible loss of 31 horses and equipment in the terrifying fire at Tioga on Friday morning that shocked the racing world.

Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Saturday (November 11) with a 12-race card starting at 6:05 p.m.

For more information, go towww.vernondowns.com.