Five for MacDonald, four for Okusko at Vernon

Harness racing driver John MacDonald and trainer Jessica Okusko had a day to remember at Vernon Downs on Saturday (May 11).

MacDonald drove five winners on the card and four of them were trained by Okusko.  They combined for their wins with Seven Year Itch, Shirin, Bourbon Express, and Bold Express.  J-Mac got his other win with Primo Uomo.

Livonjaxandqueens (American Ideal) and driver Leon Bailey charged late to capture the $7500 featured pace.

Rock Solid Express (John MacDonald) went right to the front as Livonjaxandqueens ($4.10) followed in the two-hole.  Rock Solid Express was first to the quarter in :26.2.  He used a :28.2 second quarter and led to the half in 1:22.4.  Livonjaxandqueesn made his move first-up as they headed around the final.  Rock Solid Express got to three-quarters first in 1:22.4.

Livonjaxandqueens and Rock Solid Express battled all the way down the stretch.  Livonjaxandqueens used a late spurt to get the win in a lifetime best of 1:50.1.  Rock Solid Express had to settle for second.  Old Pal (Truman Gale) finished third.

Livonjaxandqueens is a 4-year-old stallion owned by Howard Ouriel and trained by James Rothfuss.  It was his second win this season.  He now has nine career victories.

LIVONJAXANDQUEENS REPLAY

Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Friday (May 17) at 6:05 p,m.

For more information, click here.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

by John Horne, for Vernon Downs