Back to the Track Night Nearly Sees Another Track Record Fall

Waltrip Hanover came within two-fifths of a second of the track record for older pacing horses with his 1:51.3 showing in Saturday nights $9,000 featured sixth race at Vernon Downs.

Leaving from post six in the seven side-wheeler Miracle Mile-2 test, Waltrip Hanover shot right to the front for driver Howard Okusko, Jr. and remained there to the half, reached in :55.2.

The Jessica Okusko-conditioned 5-year-old relinquished the lead to the betting favorite, You Bet Your Glass, until the final sixteenth, and then bounced back to win by a head.

In addition to equaling his personal speed mark, the career winner of nearly $87,000 notched his second season’s score and 12th all time.

Wanda Polisseni’s Purple Haze Stables owns the fleet-footed son of The Panderosa-Witchin Flight, who earned his record here last season.

Driver Rick Plano captured three of Saturday’s 12 races, as did veteran conditioner Howard Okusko, Sr.

Leading dash-winner Josh Marks earned a double during the track’s 51st program, as did reigning provisional pilot Leon Bailey and former top P driver Chris Lems.

DOWNS DOINGS—Saturday’s promotion-laden program was designated Back To The Track Night…Vernon’s 1:51.1 standard for aged pacing horses was set by Goin To The Beach in 2002…The Downs will offer live harness racing Thursday-Saturday next weekend, first post at 6:55 p.m