With trainer Gates Brunet doing the teaming in Friday's ninth race, the favorite Coraggioso raced like he was superior and proved it with a front-striding, score over five top-trot rivals.  It was the second tally, coupled with a second-place finish, in three current appearances and the 13^th lifetime triumph for the quick-striding New York Sires Stakes champion, who now sports career winnings of nearly $519,000.  Joseph Spadaro and noted Throughbred announcer Tom Durkin own the 4-year-old son of Conway Hall-Electra Hanover, who established a 1:53.4 standard for 4-year-old trotting horses here on May 3.

Two races later, Hold On Tightly remained undefeated after five season's starts when trainer Roman Lopez piloted the 4-year-old trotter to a solid 1:57.4 score.  This is the initial racing season for the bay son of Cash Hall-Keystone Fitting, who is owned by Richard B. Thurlow.

Hold On Tightly's tally was one of three on the program for Lopez, who became the meet's leading trainer with 12 victories.  With a one-win lead over defending champ Rick Plano on the current conditioning chart, the 53-year-old reinsman trails only Plano in the track's driving derby, 24-21.

Multiple Vernon driving titleist Jimmy Whittemore picked up a pair of first-place finishes during Friday's 12-race program.

DOWNS DOINGS—Lopez leads all drivers in triples at the meet with five…The vastly improved Artic Byrd became the first three-time winning pacer of the track's 60^th campaign after a 1:53.2 tally for driver Truman Gale, trainer Jocelyn Lavigne and owners Don Lewandrowski and Gail Farrell in Friday's second race…The Joe Meylan-owned pacer Stony Brook earned his initial career victory after a 1:58.3 victory for driver Chris Lems and trainer Eric Felter in Friday's 12^th event…Vernon will simulcast the entire card from Maryland's Pimlico Race Course on Saturday, including the famed Preakness Stake, which is slated for approximately 6:19 p.m.  Vernon's live 12-race harness program will follow at 6:45 p.m…Downs officials have announced that due to the  Equine  Herpes Virus (EHV-1) outbreak at the track, Vernon will continue with just Friday and Saturday night live competition (first post 6:45 p.m.), at least through May 25.  A 1:15 Memorial Day matinee card is planned for Monday, May 27…A complete racing and stakes calendar, as well as additional information regarding Vernon Downs, its casino, hotel, racing and promotional events can be obtained at www.vernondowns.com.

The EBC will remain at Vernon Downs with a slight adjustment to the dates. 

Trainer Robert Hoffman earned his initial Downs score after he steered Northern Companion to a breezy 1:53.3 victory in Saturday's eighth event.  Fourth behind the leader Oscar Oscar to the half, timed in :57.2, the nifty newcomer got shuffled back to fifth late in the far turn.  With Hoffman urging the 5-year-old gelding on, he bounced back to third entering the homestretch and came on in a :27-second final fraction to catch and defeat the pace-setting Special Strides by one length at the finish.

Saturday's score was the sixth in 11 season's starts and the 26^th all-time for the bay son of Cambest-Smoke It Out.  The career-winner of more than $133,200 is owned by Dorothy A. Zarza.

Ten-time track driving champion Howard Okusko, Jr. began Saturday's 11-race program with a triple, while current driving leader Rick Plano also visited Vernon's winner’s circle on three occasions, as did his current sulky-sitting rival Roman Lopez.

After nine racing nights, Plano leads in driving wins with 23, while he and Lopez are tied atop the training standings with 11 credits each.

Veteran conditioner Howard Okusko, Sr. and owner, Linda Manzi each received wins from the pacers Touch Of The Past (1:53) and Rock Man (153.2) during Saturday's slate.

DOWNS DOINGS—The trotter Tamasin Hall (Okusko, Jr. driving) and pacers Bettor's Chance (Lopez) and Turning For Home (Plano) all earned their "maiden" victories on Saturday …Okusko, Jr. is presently the track's all-time leader in "two-minute" drives with 1,170…Downs officials have announced that due to the  Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1) outbreak at the track, Vernon will continue with just Friday and Saturday night live competition (first post 6:45 p.m.), at least through May 25…A complete racing and stakes calendar, as well as additional information regarding Vernon Downs, its casino, hotel, racing and promotional events can be obtained at www.vernondowns.com.

Taking over the top spot from Spring Goal following a :26.4 opening quarter, Coraggioso, who established a Vernon record for 4-year-old trotting horses after a 1:53.4 triumph in last week's Open test, controlled the eighth race until the final furlong.  Spring Goal, who then drafted in the cat-bird's spot behind the leader until the stretch showdown, out maneuvered Coraggioso through a :28.3 final quarter to gain the win by one length. 

Spring Goal's strong showing with trainer Rick Plano at the controls resulted in the fastest mile by a member of the diagonal gait at the eight-night meeting, and it earned the 5-year-old bay battler a new win mark by one full second.  It was the second local score, third in 13 season's starts and 12^th overall for the speedy son of Yankee Glide-Maragoal Miss, who is owned by Maryann Plano (Rick's wife).  He's now accounted for more than $171,500 in Standardbred prize money.

Friday's swift score was one of three tallies during an 11-race program for trainer/driver Rick Plano, who secured his second triple of the local campaign.  The defending driving and training champ is currently tops in both categories again this season at the Downs with 20 and 10 credits, respectively.

Three-win performances during the evening were also posted by drivers Roman Lopez, Truman Gale and trainer Jocelyn Lavigne.

There will be live racing at Vernon Downs this weekend by permission of the New York State Gaming Commission. Vernon will race a full card of 11 races on Friday, May 10 and Saturday, May 11 at 6:45pm each evening.

Vernon live racing will continue with this schedule until further notice. Thursday, May 9 racing has been canceled and there will be no racing on Thursday during the month of May. 

Racing will be restricted to those horses currently stabled in quarantine at Vernon Downs, excluding the horses in secured quarantine within the stable area.

All horses racing will have their temperature taken prior to entering the paddock. Those horses with a temperature in excess of 101.5 will be denied entry to the paddock and excluded from competition.

EHV-1 is not transferable to humans.

"We are in complete compliance with all directives issued by the NYS Gaming Commission," said Jason M. Settlemoir, Regional Vice President of Racing at Vernon Downs and Tioga Downs. "We appreciate their attention to this serious equine health issue and permitting those horsemen confined to the backstretch to race their horses so they can generate some income. While we remain vigilant in our work to prevent any further spread of the EHV-1 outbreak, we are optimistic that things will return to normal in a few weeks here at Vernon."

One of these horses was humanely euthanized.

EHV-1 is a viral infection which can cause respiratory disease, abortion in broodmares, death in newborn foals and can also be a very serious neurological disease. The virus does not affect people.

As of May 8, no other horses at New York racetracks or additional horses at Vernon Downs have been reported to have EHV-1.

The Department of Agriculture and Markets has implemented a 28-day quarantine period. No horses will be permitted to ship in or out of Vernon Downs until 28 days after the Department of Agriculture and Markets has determined that the infected horses stop showing symptoms of EHV-1.

Barn number 4 and barn number 2 at Vernon Downs are under strict quarantine, and the only persons permitted to enter these barns are horse caretakers assigned to those barns. Horses in these barns are prohibited from racing or training on the track. These barns will remain under strict quarantine until 28 days after the last signs of EHV-1 are seen in their populations.

Based on these procedures, the Gaming Commission has authorized Vernon Downs to resume live racing on Friday (May 10) with unaffected horses that are currently on the grounds of the racetrack.

The quarantine procedures are subject to change as both the Department of Agriculture and Markets and the New York State Gaming Commission continue to monitor the situation at Vernon Downs closely and may modify restrictions based on conditions on-site and/or new information.

For more information on EHV-1, visit the American Association of Equine Practitioner’s website or check the USDA APHIS’ brochure on the virus.

After consultation with the NY Agriculture Board's Director, Dr. David Smith, the following practices are suggested for horses in the area and those transported from track to track: monitor the body temperature several times each day and perform regular examinations for nasal discharge or coughing. A temperature of 101.5 and above or noticeable discharge requires immediate veterinary attention.

While EHV-1 is not transmittable to humans, it may be spread from horse to horse by common contact. It is also spread through respiratory secretions and via contaminated feed buckets, food, grooming tools and other equine equipment. Take measures to maintain high standards and hygienic methods when performing stable tasks.

Information on EHV-1 is available by following this link:

http://www.thehorse.com/articles/31476/progress-report-on-equine-herpesvirus-ehv-1

At this time, the intention is to race Thursday's card at Vernon using only those horses stabled at the track. 

No ship-ins will be granted entry to the barn area and will be scratched from the races without penalty.

The length of the quarantine is undetermined at this time. The situation will continue to be monitored by both track and state officials and any updates will be made known in a timely fashion.

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The following precautions address only those horses that have raced at Vernon Downs from April 19 through May 3. They are in place for the protection of the entire harness racing community.

No horses will be allowed to ship into or out of Vernon Downs until further notice, and trainers attempting will be dealt with accordingly. Horsemen and women at Vernon Downs should use hygienic precaution when working from horse to horse, trainers should keep an eye on their horses, and continually take their temperature.

If you have raced at Vernon Downs in the last two weeks or are stabled at Vernon you should take your horses temperature twice a day. If the temperature is over 101.5 you should notify a veterinarian immediately.

Trainer Gates Brunet was at the controls in the week's Open test as favored Coraggioso, winner of the NYSS 2012 title test for 3-year-old colt trotters, got cover early in Friday's mile contest.  The quick-striding son of Conway Hall-Electra Hanover rallied from third in the final quarter (authoring a :28.3 final fraction) to defeat the front-striding A Penny Earned by a head in a career-best 1:53.4, lowering the track's former standard for his class (set by Winning Mister in 2010) by one tick of the timer, and establishing a season's fastest trotting mark at the central New York 7/8ths-mile oval.

Friday's fantastic performance earned the career-winner of more than $511,400 his 12^th lifetime victory for owners Joseph Spadaro and Tom J. Durkin, the famed announcer for the New York Racing Association.

Friday's fastest mile was a 1:52.3 victory by the pacer Windows Online, who became a two-time winner at the seven-night meet with a bold-going effort in the evening's seventh session.  It was one of three tallies during the 12-race program for defending driving champ and current leader Rick Plano.  He also finished first with Ulay Boko (1:55.2) in the sixth session and To Tell The Truth (1:53) in race 10.  His wife, Maryann, owns the latter two Standardbreds.

Driver John MacDonald was also a multiple winner during Friday's format, posting a pair of first-place finishes.

DOWNS DOINGS—Vernon will offer simulcast wagering on Saturday's Kentucky Derby, which is slated to start at 6:24 p.m….The Downs will begin its live racing at 5:10 p.m., offering three events before the famed "Run For The Roses," and 10 additional races after it…The $15,200 Anthony J. Farina Memorial Pacing Series final (race nine) and the $14,600 Catherine Burton Memorial Trotting Series championship clash (race seven) will serve as Saturday co-features...Thursday night racing (first post 6:45) will return to the Downs starting May 9…Vernon's 90-card campaign continues through November 2…A complete racing and stakes calendar, as well as additional information regarding Vernon Downs, its casino, hotel, racing and promotional events can be obtained at www.vernondowns.com.

Schnittker, who captured the opening Farina flight with Red Rock in race one, roared back in the final elimination round with To Beach His Own to not only pin a fresh win mark on the fleet-footed youngster, but also come within 3/5ths-of-a-second of the track's record for 3-year-old gelding pacers.

The sizzling score was the first win in six current outings and the second lifetime tally for the bay son of Rocknroll Hanover-Beachy Lady, who is shared in ownership by Schnittker, Theodore Gewertz, Dean Davis and Steven Arnold.

Schnittker, who has recorded three doubles at the six night meet, is also a partner, with Dr. John M. Egloff, in Red Rock, who secured a 1:52.2 win-mark and his third triumph in four season's outings.  Two of the sophomore gelding's tallies have come in the Farina series.

Earlier in Saturday's 13-race program, the pacers Ourea Nourrir and Western Trademark had each lowered the track's current speed standard to 1:51.4 with their respective scores in races six and nine.

Veteran trainer Tracy Brainard harnessed three Saturday winners, the trotter Tioga Thunder (1:56.3), as well as the pacers Ourea Nourrir and Our Ella (1:55.1).

In addition to Schnittker, Saturday doubles were secured by drivers Brian Connor, John MacDonald and trainer Lonny Hale.      

With Marcus Miller doing the teaming for trainer John Butenschoen in race 10, The Evictor took over from Yankee Manny in the stretch drive and powered to an impressive 1:54.3 victory, fastest trotting mile of the five-program season at the central New York 7/8ths-mile harness track.

The quick-striding score was the first locally, the second this season and the 14^th overall for the 5-year-old son of Valley Victory, a career earner of more than $473,000 who is shared in ownership by William C. Wiswell and Jean Goehlen.

Hold On Tightly continued his first-place fetish with a sparkling 1:57.1 tally for trainer and driver Roman Lopez in race nine, fourth and final qualifying division in the second leg of the new Catherine Burton Memorial Trotting Series.  It was a career-best performance for the 4-year-old son of Cash Hall, who is registered to Richard Thurlow, and the swiftest series score to date.

Henry Wilson began the program with a Burton Series double, scoring with Majestic Won (1:58.1) in the opener and Beautiful Babe (1:58.4) in Friday's second session.  Both square-gaiters are owned by Joan Rae Ellafrits and Lynn Wilson.

Defending dash and training champ Rick Plano piloted Frisky Girl to a 1:59.1 maiden-breaking victory in Friday's s other Burton donnybrook.  Peter Carney conditions the 5-year-old daughter of Frisky Fighter for Anne Wheeler and Dr. Robert Keller.

In addition to driver/trainer Wilson, Plano produced his second four-win outing here in 2013 during Friday's 13-race card, while Miller also won with the Jenny Melander-owned and trained trotter Don Dinero (1:58.4) in the evening's 11^th event.  It was the first career tally for the 7-year-old son of Revenue S.

DOWNS DOINGS—The Burton Series will conclude with a championship clash next Saturday night (May 4)…Plano's four-bagger came in races five through eight…The Downs began its new Showdown Handicapping Contest on Friday night…Saturday's 13-race card, which features an Open Pace and two divisions in the second and final round of the Anthony Farina Memorial Pacing Series, will also offer the "Spring Fever Handicapping Contest."  First post is at 6:45 p.m…The Downs will continue Friday and Saturday evening racing through May 4.  Thursday nights will be added starting May 9…Vernon's 90-card campaign continues through November 2…A complete racing and stakes calendar, as well as additional information regarding Vernon Downs, its casino, hotel, racing and promotional events can be obtained at www.vernondowns.com.

$1,500 top prize, contestants must register for free by Friday, April 26

The inaugural edition of Vernon Downs "Showdown" contest begins tomorrow (Friday) as the track's live racing season continues. Free registration is still available.

Contestants must register for free and make their horse selection no later than 6:35 PM Eastern Time Friday, April 26 in order to be eligible for the contest.

The contestant that lasts the longest will win the $1,500 top prize. The runner-up will receive $750.

Fans can register and make their daily selection by visiting showdown.vernondowns.com.

Free online streaming video is also available on the Vernon Downs website so contestants can follow along with their selections each race night.

After initial first-leg Farina Series scores by Eternal Terror (1:56.1, with trainer Roman Lopez driving for the Tanah Merah Farms) and Red Rock (1:54.2, with trainer and part-owner Ray Schnittker steering for his partner Dr. John Egloff) in Saturday's second and fifth races, respectfully, Plano went out and hustled Rock Man to a 1:53.4 triumph in the eighth event for trainer Howard Okusko, Sr. and owner Linda Manzi of Oneida.

Rock Man's time in the final Farina mile was a career-best effort for the 4-year-old son of Art Major-Gone Dancing, and only his second ever trip to the winner's circle. 

Plano, who is tied with Roman Lopez at nine for most Vernon victories after four current racing nights, also finished first with the pacers Ideally Magic (1:56.1), Iza Believer (1:54.1) and Where's Waldo (1:55.3).  He is the track's defending driving and training champion.

Thirty Two Red (far) posts a lifetime best 1:53.3 win on Saturday night

Schnittker secured a double during the program by teaming the pacer Thirty-Two Red to a 1:53.3 lifetime best victory in the sixth race that proved to be the fastest of 13 Saturday scores.  The quick-footed 3-year-old son of Bettor's Delight-Sakura Hanover is shared in ownership by trainer Schnittker, Theodore Gewertz, Steve Arnold, Mal and Janet Burroughs.

Other multiple winners during Saturday's slate were Lopez and driver Chris Lems, each with three tallies.   

DOWNS DOINGS—The Lopez trained and driven Shaolin Master, winner of race 10 in 1:57.4, became the first two-time winning pacer at the fledgling meet…Following Lopez and Plano atop Vernon's driver standings after four programs is Chris Lems with seven scores…The pacer Sweet Bettor, owned by the Triple C Stable, secured her "maiden" victory after Lems teamed the 4-year-old mare to a 1:59.1 success in Saturday's 12^th event…The Downs will continue Friday and Saturday evening racing only (first post 6:45) through May 4.  Thursday nights will be added starting May 9…Vernon's 90-card campaign continues through November 2…A complete racing and stakes calendar, as well as additional information regarding Vernon Downs, its casino, hotel, racing and promotional events can be obtained at www.vernondowns.com.

Competing over a "sloppy" track in race nine, A Penny Earned eked out a neck tally in his initial venture of 2013.  With Chris Lems doing the driving, the determined 4-year-old bay horse rallied on the outside from fourth at the half and closed from second in the final strides to nip the front-striding Grey Ice in an impressive 1:57.3 performance. 

It marked the ninth career win for the quick-footed son of Conway Hall-Penny Dream, who boosted his all-time winnings to $206,556 for trainer George Ducharme and his ownership partners Alfred Ross, Paul Fontaine and Nicola Oliva.  The bay battler's winning time was just 3/5ths of a second off the fastest trotting mile of the three-night meet, set by Aruba Vacation last Friday.

Trainer Schnittker steered Il Pizzaiolo (2:01.4) and Laughing King (1:59.4) to victories in the new Burton Series, which honors the memory of a long-time track horsewoman and owner, who passed away at the age 88 last January. The first-place finishes resulted in initial career scores for each promising sophomore son of Deweycheatumnhowe.

Friday's other Burton winners were Pollux Blue Chip (2:00.4) and Hold On Tightly (2:01.4).

Friday's fastest mile was a 1:53.3 spin around Vernon's soggy 7/8ths-mile oval in race eight by Buck Stops Here, with John MacDonald doing the teaming for trainer Tracy Brainard and her partners Charles and Giorgan Iannazzo.   

DOWNS DOINGS—The meet's initial two-time winners are the trotters Hold On Tightly, Ziegler Hanover, Alarming Quick and Scorpion Moon, who secured his 92^nd career tally in race 12…In addition to Schnittker, Friday doubles were recorded by defending driving and training champ Rick Plano, Chris Lems, owner Theodore Gewertz and conditioner Brainard…Saturday's 13-race slate includes three divisions in the new Anthony Farina Memorial Pacing Series and begins at 6:45 p.m…The Downs will continue Friday and Saturday evening racing (first post 6:45) only through May 4.  Thursday nights will be added starting May 9…Vernon's 90-card campaign continues through November 2…A complete racing and stakes calendar, as well as additional information regarding Vernon Downs, its casino, hotel, racing and promotional events can be obtained at www.vernondowns.com.