Vernon, NY — Pirate Hanover (Aaron Byron) fired late to win the $8,500 featured Open Pace at Vernon Downs on Saturday (Sept. 28).
Docdor Friskie led to the quarter in :26. He used a :29.3 second quarter to be first to the half in :55.3. Docdor Friskie led to three-quarters in 1:24.
As they reached the stretch second place finisher Syracuse Express (Adam Capizzano) took the lead but Pirate Hanover ($3.80) came flying down the lane like a freight train and just got by to win in 1:51.4. Heisonthehunt (Dylan Huckabone-Miller) finished third.
Pirate Hanover is a 6-year-old horse by Captaintreacherous. He is owned and trained by Byron. It was his seventh win this season. He now has 16 career victories.
Driver John MacDonald drove four winners on the card. Jessic Okusko trained three winners. MacDonald and Okusko combined for wins with Logo and Rock Solid Express. J-Mac got his other wins with Flyhawk El Fuerte and Snap Call. Okusko got her other win with Moonshine Express.
Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Friday (Oct. 4) starting at 6:05 p.m. For more information, go to www.vernondowns.com.