Le Massif grabs Vernon feature

Le Massif (Shanghai Phil, Steeven Genois) grabs the harness racing feature pace on 2023 closing night, Saturday (Nov.18) at Vernon Downs.

Jericho Willie (Tom Merton) led to the quarter in :27.0.  He used a :30.0 second quarter to be first to the half in :57.0.  He would cruise to three-quarters in 1:26.1. As they made the turn for home Le Massif ($16.40) made his move going first over from third. He would blow right on by and take the lead.  Manverick (John MacDonald) came flying late but could only watch as Le Massif won easily in 1:54.3.  Kisses From Above (Adam Capizzano) finished third.

LE MASSIF REPLAY

Le Massif is a 4-year-old horse owned by Laurent Pednault and trainer Melanie Boulianne. It was his fourth win of the season.  He now has eight career victories.

Greg Merton gets a driving grand slam. He got his wins with Major Authority (Art Major), Buzz (Kadabra), Pet Sur-Roc (Pet Rock), and Kicks Lika Mule (Huntsville).

John MacDonald wins his fifth drivers title at Vernon.

J-Mac is driving dash champion with 114 wins. He previously won four straight dash titles from 2016-2019. Barton Dalious was second with 95 wins. Jimmy Whittemore (54), Frank Affrunti (54), and Steeven Genois (51) round out the top five.

Michelle Warner wins her first training title with 50 wins. David Dewhurst was second with 41 trips to the winner’s circle. Jeff Sorenson (32), Claude Huckabone III (30), and Gary Gibson (28) round out the top five.

The 2023 pacer of the year is Unusual Clarity (Betterthancheddar). The 8-year-old mare has had a season to remember. She had eight wins, six seconds and four thirds in 23 starts this season at Vernon. She is owned by Nicholas Gibides while trained and driven by Ron Harp.

The 2023 trotter of the year is Lepanto (Bar Hopping). The 5-year-old gelding had seven wins, nine seconds and three thirds in just 25 starts at Vernon. He is owned by the Betcha Win Stable and trained by Jeff Sorenson.

Vernon Downs would like to thank all the employees, horse people, and all of their fans for a great 70^th anniversary season. Vernon Downs will return to live racing in April 2024.

For more information, go to www.vernondowns.com.

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

by John Horne, for Vernon Downs