Vernon, NY — Poisonous (Jimmy Whittemore) and Western Toro (John MacDonald) each scored victories in the pacing co-features at Vernon Downs on Saturday (May 25).  

In the first feature Golden Brit (Leon Bailey) controlled the early fractions (:28.1, :58.0, 1:26.1).

Poisonous ($5.70), who is owned by Whittemore and trained by Marissa Chadborne, was third after three-quarters.  He went charging down the stretch to blow by and win in a seasonal best 1:53.2.  E Z Noah (Terry Di Cicco) came up to finish second.  Golden Brit Held on for third.

Poisonous is a 7-year-old horse by Art Major.  It was his second win this season.  He now has 18 career Victories.

In the second feature Winds Of Change (Josh Kinney) led to the first quarter of :26.3 and to the half in :55.4.

Western Toro ($4.20), who is owned and trained by MacDonald, popped out of the pocket just after the halfway mark.  He cruised to three-quarters in 1:24.2 and won easily in 1:52.2.  Banacek (Adam Capizano) was second best with Winds Of Change holding on for third money.

Western Toro is a 10-year-old gelding by Western Ideal.  He won for the second time this season and the 25th time in his career.

Live racing returns to Vernon Downs with a special 14 race Memorial day matinee starting a 1:05 p.m.  The feature races will be the Empire Breeders Classic finals for sophomore trotting fillies ($209,500) and 3-year-old trotting colts and geldings ($215,200).   There is an umbrella giveaway while supplies last as well as a live bugler.

For more information go to www.vernondowns.com