Peterson and Okusko Memorials at Vernon Downs

Exarch (Cantab Hall.) and driver Barton Dalious and Wyoming Cowboy (Roll With Joe) and driver Leon Bailey captured the harness racing co-features at Vernon Downs on Saturday (September 3).

Exarch ($5.30) flies late to win the featured $7,900 Oliver Peterson Memorial Trot.  The race is in honor of Oliver Peterson who ran the harness shop at Vernon for 34 years.  He was beloved by all in the Vernon family.

Discus Hanover (Leon Bailey) and Star Track Hanover (Steeven Genois) battled to the first turn as Discus Hanover reached the quarter first in :25.4.  He used a :30.1 second quarter to be first to the half in :56.0.  Exarch made his move first-up heading around the final turn.  Discus Hanover reached three-quarters first in 1:26.1.

Discus Hanover and Exarch battled all the way down the stretch.  Exarch got by just before the finish to win in a lifetime best of 1:54.4.  Discus Hanover had to settle for second.  Lepanto (Jeff Sorenson) finishes third.

Exarch is a 7-year-old gelding owned by Fortune Valley Stable and trained by Angus MacDonald.  It was his first win this season and his 19^th career victory.

EXARCH REPLAY

Wyoming Cowboy ($13.20) takes the featured $5,200 Okusko Memorial Pace.  This race is in memory of Howard Okusko Sr., his wife Carol, and their daughter Sherry.  They all touched the lives of many in the Vernon family.

Gemini Express (Steeven Genois) came flying out of the gate and led to the first quarter in :25.2.  He went :29.1 in the second quarter and reached the half first in :54.3.  He cruised to three-quarters in 1:23.0.

As they made the turn for home Wyoming Cowboy made a three-wide move and came flying down the stretch.  He won easily in a lifetime best of 1:52.2.  Samson J (Barton Dalios) surged late to finish second.  Andreios Kardia (Truman Gale) was third best.

Wyoming Cowboy is a 4-year-old gelding owned by Bruce Berg and trainer David Dewhurst.  It was his second win in 2022.  He now owns five career victories.

WYCOMING COWBOY REPLAY

Live racing returns to Vernon Downs for a special Labor Day Monday (September 5) matinee performance.  Post time for the 11-race card is 12:15 p.m.

For complete race results, click here.

by John Horne, for Vernon Downs