Vernon, NY – Gregory (Jeff Gregory) captured the $8,500 Vernon Downs on Sunday (June 21), winning as the favorite in the six-horse field.
Primo Uomo (Frank Affrunti) took the lead with a full lap to go and led to the quarter in :27.2, and was first to the half in :56.1. Gregory ($4.12) made his move heading to the final turn and took control to three quarters in 1:24.2.
As they reached the stretch, second-place finisher Belmont Royale (Dylan Huckabone-Miller) gave everything he had, but couldn’t get to Gregory, who won in 1:52.4. Merrow (Chris Long) finished third.
Gregory is a 4-year-old horse by American Ideal. He is owned by Purple Haze Stable and trained by Jessica Okusko. It was his fifth win this season, and his ninth career victory.
Jimmy Whittemore remained red hot Sunday with a driving hat trick, while Truman Gale collected a driving double. Okusko and Ken Dawson scored training doubles.
Jacquavyian Carter notched his first pari-mutuel driving win Sunday. Steering favored Makorori N in the day’s fourth race, Carter made the most of a pocket trip, sitting behind pacesetter Play Rock before sprinting away in the stretch by 8-1/4 lengths in a time of 1:53.3.
Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Friday (June 26) with a post time of 5:05 p.m. For more information visit www.vernondowns.com.