Vernon: Bluesville gives George Ducharme 1,000th training victory

Hambletonian-winning trainer George Ducharme notched the 1,000th win of his career with Bluesville (Frank Affrunti) at Vernon on Friday (April 29th).

Ducharme is be best known for his 2013 Hambo win with Royalty For Life, but he will never forget training win number 1,000 with Bluesville ($4.00). Bluesville is a 3-year-old colt by Huntsville, and he broke his maiden in 1:54 3/5.

Don't Chip Me (John MacDonald) grabbed the featured $7,000 Fillies & Mares Open Pace.

Don't Chip Me ($5.10) went straight to the front and was first to the quarter in 26 3/5, then used a 28 2/5 second quarter to hit the half in 55 seconds. So Diva (Brett Crawford) would make a move, going first-up heading for the final turn, but Don't Chip Me was first to three-quarters in 1:23 1/5.

As they made the turn for home Don't Chip Me found another gear and won easily in 1:53 1/5. So Diva held for second money. Islay N (Justin Huckabone) finished third.

Don't Chip Me is a 5-year-old mare by Hypnotic Blue Chip. She is owned by Rick and Geoffrey Howles along with trainer John Hallett. It was her third win of the season, and she now has 19 career victories.

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--press release (Vernon Downs)--