The “Bionic Man” has a remarkable lead of nearly
$3 million in earnings this year for the Drivers’ Championship. Tim added over
$1.2 million to his total on Saturday’s Meadowlands’ card including his first
victory in the Hambletonian with Market Share. This marks six consecutive years
that Tetrick will participate in the Drivers’ Championship.
2.
Yannick Gingras – $6,598,005
The “Green Hornet”, a comfortable second in
North American earnings, is enjoying a sensational year with top mount A
Rocknroll Dance who captured the 2012 Meadowlands Pace. Gingras has captured
the Drivers’ Championship on two previous occasions as he endeavors to add a
third trophy to his case.
The “Minister of Speed” has once again kept
himself near the top of the money standings in North America with a solid year.
Stakes highlights thus far in 2012 have come with top free for all pacer
Betterthancheddar who captured the Ben Franklin and Des Smith.
“Rockin Ronnie” Pierce has competed in every
Drivers’ Championship held at Tioga Downs, and will be headed to Vernon Downs
to defend his title from 2011. He avenged past struggles in Drivers’
Championship events by taking home the $25,000 grand prize in 2011.
Back on the roster after missing the cut for the
Drivers’ Championship in 2009 and 2010, The “Buckeye” will make his second
straight appearance in 2012. Miller orchestrated a huge upset in the
Hambletonian Oaks with Personal Style at 55-1 to secure a spot in the field of
nine.
The “White Knight” has competed in all of the
Drivers’ Championships held at Tioga Downs in years past and will once again
compete for the $25,000 grand prize. Perhaps Vernon’s favorite son will annex
his second Drivers’ Championship in front of the hometown fans.
Long reigning “Dash King” at The Meadows, Palone
made headlines early this year in his quest to surpass Herve Filion as North
America’s all-time dash winning driver with over 15,000 trips to the charmed
circle. He has been the Meadows leading driver for an astounding twenty three
consecutive years. This season’s big horse for Dave is Sweet Lou, a top 3-year
old pacing colt trained by Ron Burke.
Despite only competing at Vernon Downs on the
stakes circuit, Morrill has had so much success that he is the leading money
winning driver at Vernon in 2012. He will be competing in the 2012 Drivers’
Championship representing Vernon Downs’ leading driver and competing in his
first ever Drivers’ Championship.
Canada’s superstar Jody Jamieson has been
selected as the 2012 Sponsor’s exemption by American Racing and Entertainment.
Jamieson has had great success in 2012 with mounts such as Mister Herbie, Knows
Nothing, and Big McDeal. Vernon Downs’ will also be honoring Jamieson on
Drivers’ Championship day with a Jody Jamieson Bobblehead giveaway (while
supplies last).
This year’s competition begins on closing night at The Meadowlands; Friday, August 17th. The participants will be available for a fan meet & greet as well as an autograph session on the apron beginning at 6:00 PM.
The Drivers’ Championship final moves to Vernon Downs on Sunday, August 26th where the entire weekend of racing is designed to be a recreation of the NY State Fair experience of years gone by; complete with all the trimmings.
All divisions of the New York State Fair two year old events will be raced on Friday & Saturday. On Sunday, in addition to the driver’s competition, the new, improved $700,000 Zweig Memorial Trot for 3-year old colt and filly trotters will be raced at Vernon Downs for the very first time.
The Jody Jamieson bobbleheads will be given away before the races and the drivers participating in the Championship will be on hand for an autograph session and driver meet and greet beginning at 11:45 am on the trackside apron.
On Saturday, August 25th, Vernon Downs will be hosting a free golf outing for all horsemen and owners in the morning (planned tee time: 9:00 am). The tournament will be held at Rome Country Club and will be a four person captain and crew format tournament.
Hotel rooms are available at Vernon Downs for the State Fair celebration (August 24 – 26), and all reservations and golf sign ups can be directed to Jason M. Settlemoir, VP of Racing and Simulcast at 607.699.7588 or jsettlemoir@tiogadowns.com .
