Vernon, NY — So Diva (Chris Long) scored in the featured $6,000 fillies & mares pace at Vernon Downs on Friday (Sept. 17). 

So Diva took the long way around en route to victory in the $6,000 feature Friday at Vernon. Fotowon Photo.

Purameri (Leon Bailey) took the lead and hit the first quarter first in :26.2. So Diva ($2.80) took control down the backstretch and led to the half in :55.4. She continued to control the pace as she was first to three-quarters in 1:24.2. 

As they made the turn for home Purameri pulled out of the pocket and went all out on the chase but So Diva was too strong and won easily in a lifetime best of 1:52.4. Purameri had to settle for second. WC Kenzie Cookie (Justin Huckabone) finished third. 

So Diva is a 3-year-old filly by So Surreal. She is owned by the Morrisville College Foundation Inc. and trained by Karin Warner. It was her seventh win this season. She now has nine career victories. 

Vernon Downs had two special races on the night.

Eataams Trauma (Justin Hackabone) captured the “In Memory of Carol and Howard Okusko Sr. and their daughter Shari Okusko” event.  

Some Royalty (Jimmy Whittemore) won the “In Memory of Oliver Peterson” race. All four were beloved by everyone at Vernon Downs and we miss them all.

Leon Bailey leads all drivers with 101 wins. Justin Huckabone is second on the list with 61 victories. Jimmy Whittemore is third with 37 trips to the winner’s circle. Chris Long (33) and John MacDonald (21) round out the top five. 

Jeff Sorenson leads all trainers with 28 wins. Jessica Okusko has 22 victories for second best. Justin Huckabone is third best with 20 tallies. George Ducharme and Kerin Warner are tied for fourth with 19 wins apiece. 

Vernon Downs returns to live racing with a 10-race card on Saturday (Sept. 18).  

For more information, go to www.vernondowns.com