Whittemore, Okusko earn Vernon Downs titles

Driver Jimmy Whittemore and trainer Jessica Okusko each earned their initial track titles during the 56th harness racing season at Vernon Downs.

 

Whittemore, who was named Vernon’s most promising driver a couple of seasons back, delivered on that prediction during the track’s 90-card campaign that extended from April 17 through November 7. The 26-year-old reinsman secured the dash-winning championship with 122 first-place finishes. In addition to racing horses from his dad’s (Dennis) stable, the talented Maine native has become one of Vernon’s most popular catch-drivers.

 

Okusko, who took over as chief conditioner for her husband’s (10-time track driving champion Howard Okusko, Jr.) stable two years ago, was tops among trainers in races won with 71. Wanda Polisseni’s productive Purple Haze Stable is the outfit’s principle owner.

 

Whittemore and Okusko were each presented with $500 award checks from the Upstate Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Assoc. by Jason Settlemoir, vice-president of racing operations for both Vernon Downs and it’s sister track, Tioga Downs, in a winner’s circle ceremony on closing night (Nov. 7).

 

Settlemoir also announced that the pacer Bille Bella Chick, the meet’s only 10-time winning equine, was named Vernon’s Horse-of-the-Year for 2009. Former Downs training champ Lonny Hale conditions the 5-year-old mare for Dr. Michael Kessler of New Hartford and the Speed To Burn Racing Stable of Utica.

 

Leon Bailey, 23-year-old son of veteran Vernon driver Bill Bailey, emerged as the track’s leading provisional driver with 24 victories. (Vernon)