Bailey closes out Vernon with seven-win night

Driver Leon Bailey capped off a great harness racing season by driving seven winners on closing night 2024 at Vernon Downs on Saturday (November 16).

Bailey started the night getting a win in the first race with Rally Your Crew.  Then starting in race six he reeled off five wins in a row.  He won race six with Moni’s Heaven Cent.  He then followed that up getting wins with Keg Party, Warrawee Unique, City Of Hope, and War Of Will.  He then ended the night winning the last race of the season with Dry Ridge Cutie.

Pirate Hanover (Captaintreacherous, Aaron Byron) captured the featured $8,500 Open Pace.

Shipsaway (John MacDonald) led to the first quarter in :27/4.  Galactic Storm (Truman Gale) went to the front as they headed down the backstretch and was first to the half in :56.1.  Primo Uomo (Leon Bailey) came first-up to challenge. Galactic Storm led to three-quarters in 1:24.1.

As they entered the stretch second place finisher Primo Uomo took over the lead.  Pirate Hanover then made his move flying down the stretch to win in 1:53.0.  Shipsaway finished third.

PIRATE HANOVER REPLAY

Pirate Hanover is a 6-year-old horse.  He is owned and trained by Byron.  It was his 10th win of the season and his 19th career victory.

Driver “Lightning” Leon Bailey captured his third win dash title at Vernon with a career best 166 wins and was named the Vernon Downs, Joe Harrington’s Winning Wheels driver of the year.  John MacDonald finished second with 111 tallies.  Jimmy Whittemore (60), Steeven Genois (60), and Frank Affrunti (41) round out the top five.

Trainer Jessica Okusko landed her second career dash title at Vernon Downs with 46 victories earning her the Vernon Downs, Black Stallion Restaurant trainer of the year.  Jeff Sorenson finished second with 42 wins.  Claude Huckabone III (39), Gary Gibson (31), and Leopold Sawyers (29) round out the top five.

Rock Solid Express (Huntsville) captured the Vernon Downs pacer of the year honors.  The 4-year-old horse is trained by Jessica Okusko for owners James DeArmond and David Towne.  He won eight times in 18 starts at Vernon Downs this season.

Woodside Gabe (Dover Dan) was named the Vernon Downs trotter of the year.  The 4-year-old gelding is trained by Amanda Bailey for owners David Faile and Joe Facin Jr.  He won six times in 13 starts this season at Vernon, winning the Open Trot four times.

Vernon Downs wants to thank the horse people, employees, and fans for a very successful 2024 meet.  We will all see you in April 2025.

For more information, click here.

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

by John Horne, for Vernon Downs