Three-horse photo finish at Vernon

Exarch (Cantab Hall) and harness racing driver Leon Bailey won the thrilling finish of the $5,500 featured trot at Vernon Downs on Saturday (June 15).

Classic Express (Jimmy Whittemore) got the lead and led to the quarter in :28.1.  Fringed (Dan Daley) came first-up to challenge heading down the backstretch.  Classic Express had a short lead to the half in :57.3.  Fringed then took control and led to three-quarters in 1:26.1.

As they entered the stretch the mad scramble was on.  Fringed held a slight lead as Grand Slam Hero (Dylan Huckabone-Miller) slipped through on the inside.  Exarch ($8.00) then came flying late from the far outside sneaking by to get the win in 1:57.0.  Fringed had to settle for second.  Grand Slam Hero finished third.

Exarch is a 9-year-old gelding owned by Albert Coppini and trained by Michael Collins.  It was his third win this season and 24th career victory.

EXARCH REPLAY

Frank Affrunti had a driving grand slam on the card.  He won three with trainer George Ducharme.  They went to the winner’s circle with Chaplind, Tempville, and Villanah.  Franks other win came with Smokey’s Passion.

Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Sunday (June 16) with a 13-race card starting at 12:15 pm.

For more information, click here.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting Results

by John Horne, for Vernon Downs