Okusko goes over $10 million in earnings

Trainer Jessica Okusko won four to reach $10,000,000 in career earnings, including a harness racing win with Natameri (American Ideal, John MacDonald) in the featured $8,500 Open Pace at Vernon Downs on Saturday (November 2).

Natameri ($2.30) went straight to the front and led to the quarter in :26.1.  Primo Uomo (Tom Merton) came first-up to challenge heading down the backstretch and battled for the lead as Natameri reached the half first in :54.2.  Natameri shook off Primo Uomo and led to three-quarters in 1:22.1.

As they made the turn for home second place finisher Lanjo Lee (Leon Bailey) went all out after the lead but Natameri was too strong and won in 1:51.0.  Primo Uomo finished third.

Natameri is a 6-year-old horse owned by Purple Haze Stable and trained by Jessica Okusko.  It was his sixth win this season.  He now has 26 career victories.

NATAMERI REPLAY

Okusko got her other wins with Bold Express, Rock Solid Express, and Syracuse Express.

Driver Leon Bailey had a grand slam.  He got his wins with Over Manned, Lepanto, and Pink Crush Laura.

Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Friday (November 8) starting at 3:05 p.m.

Vernon Downs post time will be 3:05 p.m. the rest of the 2024 season.

For more information, click here.

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

by John Horne, for Vernon Downs