by James Witherite, Vernon
Downs racing media
Vernon, NY - Trotters and
distaffers headline Friday (April 17) evening's Opening Night program at Vernon
Downs, with 21-time winner A Penny Earned making his return to the Miracle Mile
in the featured $10,000 Open Trot.
The six-year-old Conway Hall
gelding proved victorious in 7 of 26 races last year, staying close to trainer
George Ducharme's central New York home base throughout. He took a
seasonal mark of 1:53.3 while earning just over $60,000, and he's reunited with
his regular driver from last season, defending Vernon Downs driving champion
Chris Lems.
Lems has nine drives on the ten-race
card, with three of them for last season's top trainer David Dewhurst.
The pair will look to establish themselves atop their respective leader boards
with Kyler's Valentine (race 1, 7-2 morning line), Ziegler Hanover (race 2, 5-2
ML), and Pounce K (race 6, 6-1 ML).
Fans are encouraged to arrive
well before first post time of 6:45 p.m. EDT, as racing calendar magnets and
T-shirts will be distributed starting one hour before the first race (while
supplies last). Arriving fans can also meet their favorite drivers prior
to the races, and all are welcome to remain for the post-racing fireworks
display.
