John Horne for Vernon Downs.
John MacDonald drove five winners on the night including the $6,000 featured fillies and mares’ pace with Peggy J at Vernon Downs on Friday (May 21).
Peggy J ($4.60) wins stretch drive with Jericho Diva to win
feature.
Lady Dudette (Kyle Cummings) jumped out to the early lead and led
to the first quarter in :27.2. Jericho Diva (Leon Bailey) was first
to make a move and led to the half in :56.3. Peggy J moved her way
up to second as the two mares battled all the way around the final
turn. Jericho Diva still had a slight lead as they hit
three-quarters in 1:25.2.
As they made the turn for home Peggy J came at Jericho Diva with
all she had. Jericho Diva tried to hold firm but Peggy J was too
much for her and won in a lifetime best of 1:53.2. Jericho Diva held
for second money as Sheer Talent (Justin Huckabone finished third.
Peggy J is a 4-year-old mare by Quality Western. She is
owned by Paula Sarcone and trained by Jeff Sorenson. It was her
fifth win of 2021. She now has 11 career victories.
MacDonald got his other wins with Anchor So Reel ($6.50), Culinary
Artist ($7.80), Notwithoutafight ($3.30), and Cash N Chrome ($12.40).
Everyone at Vernon had a heavy heart as we lost Vernon Downs
legend Howard Okusko Sr. He was known as the nicest guy at the
track. As a driver he won nearly 600 races. As a trainer he won 800
races. As a person there was no one better. Rest in peace Howard
Okusko Sr., Vernon Downs will never be the same without you!
Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Saturday (May 22) with a
10-race card starting at 6:10 p.m.
For more information go to www.vernondowns.com
