Oh My Joepa (John MacDonald was victorious in the Vernon Downs Open Pace ($11,400), on Saturday (September 30). MacDonald goes to the winner circle five more times.
Mister Daytona (Fern Paquet Jr.) would jump out to the lead and carve out all early fractions, :27. 3, :56.2, 1:23.4.
Oh My Joepa (Rocknroll Hanover) would follow in the pocket trip all the way to the stretch. Owned and trained by MacDonald as well, the 9 year-old waited patiently and then came out of the pocket and blew right by to win in a lifetime best of 1:50.3.
Mister Daytona hung on to finish second as Golden Gun (Brett Crawford) finished third.
Oh My Joepa ($10.00) would win for the 14th time this year and the 45th time in his career.
MacDonald's other wins came with Hurricane Howard ($3.70), Cam's Lucky Sam ($3.10), A Fool For Mark ($3.20), Apollo Seelster ($7.50).
After race three tonight Vernon Downs honored long time starting gate driver Mike Finley, who lost his battle with cancer earlier this year. Finley was honored by drivers, trainers, owners, fellow employees, fans, family and friends. Finley was loved by everyone who knew him. Vernon Downs will never be the same without him. The Mike Finley Memorial race was won by Tundra with driver Truman Gale.
Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Thursday (October 5) with a nine race card starting at 6:45 p.m.
For more information go to www.vernondowns.com.
