Strong start in Vernon Downs' 56th season opener

An enthusiastic crowd of 3,647 turned out on a balmy Friday night and helped Vernon Downs enjoy a successful start to its 56th harness racing season.

Ten-time track driving champion Howard Okusko Jr. captured three of Friday’s 10 races, including the $9,000 featured Fillies and Mares Open pace with Bet The Ranch.

Angus Mac Donald completed a driing-training double after guiding John Paul’s Legacy to a first-place finish in the evening’s $9,000 Open Trot.

Former dashwinning champ Jack Rice also made a pair of visits to Vernon’s winner’s enclosure during the evening, as did trainers Maria Rice and Jessica Okusko.

“It was a great start to our 90-program meeting,” Jason Settlemoir said. He is vice president of racing and simulcasting for American Racing and Entertainment, which includes Vernon and Tioga Downs. “The weather was ideal, the crowd fantastic, while the racing was competitive and exciting. The management and staff is committed to making this season’s racing experience a rewarding one for the fans, and I’m proud of the program we presented and the results we obtained this evening.”

Bet The Ranch came from off the pace to win the eighth event in 1:55.4 and earn his 10th career victory. Jessica Okusko (Howard Okusko’s wife) trains the 4-year-old daughter of Bettor’s Delight-Silksndiamonds for owners Edwin J. Gold and Conrad Zurich.

MacDonald raced John Paul’s Legacy like he was the best, and the 4-year-old son of Credit Winner-Amore Vita proved equal to the task with a 1:58.1 triumph in Friday’s seventh session. The gritty performance raised the bay battler’s career earnings to more than $128,800 for owner Emil Benvenuto. (Vernon Downs)

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