Vernon, NY – Winning Legends (Justin Huckabone) and Chatelroll (Frank Affrinti) were winners in the co-features at Vernon Downs on Saturday (June 26).

In the first of the two, Winning Legends ($4) held on to win the $7,000 Open Trot.

After going right to the front, Winning Legends was confronted by Jenny Lake (Leon Bailey) as they headed for the first turn.  Winning Legends was first to the first quarter in :26.4.  Jenny Lake had to back off and follow in the pocket.  Winning Legends was first to the half in :56.3.  He remained in control leading to three-quarters in 1:26.4.

As they made the turn for home, Jenny Lake popped out of the pocket and American JJ went three-wide.  Winning Legends would shake them off and then brace for a late charge from second-place finisher My Miracle (Brett Crawford).  Winning Legends was not to be denied and won 1:55.  American JJ finished third.

Winning Legends is a 5-year-old gelding by Winning Mister.  He is owned by Jonathan Applebaum and trained by Huckabone.  It was win number four this season.  He now owns 19 career victories.

In the second feature, Chatelroll ($5.60) won the $7,000 Open Pace with a late charge.

Franco Tristan N (Chris Long) went to the front and controlled all the early fractions.  He led to the first quarter in :28.  He used a :29.4 second quarter to hit the half in :57.4.  He was first to three-quarters in 1:26.1.

As they headed to the stretch, Chatelroll used a burst of speed coming from fourth to go right by the runner-up Franco Tristan N to win easily in 1:52.3. Bruce’s Magic (Leon Bailey) was third best.

Chatelroll is a 5-year-old horse by Roll With Joe.  He is owned by the Purple Haze Stables and trained by George Ducharme.  He is now five for seven in 2021 and has 16 career victories.

Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Friday (June 25).  Post time is 6:10 p.m.

For more information go to www.vernondowns.com.