Going Out a Winner

William Vernon Bush knows the sport of kings. He has ridden at the small ovals and been aboard some top shelf horses. Long time rider whose trips were not always the easiest, but that's where you find the most interesting stories.

The program read Wm. V. Bush as his father long time top-notch rider (Vernon Bush) was in the irons as well. Then Billy Bush, and the list goes on. When his father hung up his tack, Vernon Bush could be found on the program in Ohio, Kentucky, and every circuit on the East coast. He was a long way from being the little boy who was given a leg up on a pony boy by his father. "If he can hang on, he'll be a rider." The rest is history.

Vernon rode his first winner at River Downs in 1978 aboard Compton Road for trainer Wayne Toole. Vernon still calls River Downs his home track as he and his brother George have been training and riding longer than most will ever be in the game. Known for their infectious smiles and down-home good nature, the brothers Bush are still plying their trade. For a man who started galloping in 1972, he has held his game on high riding winner's at practically every track on the East coast. He had some brushes with colorful characters and knew gents in the Boston area such as the Patriarcha's, Angelos, and Whitey Bulger's right-hand man Stevie "The Rifleman" Fleming who was his wife's second cousin. Vernon had good luck in the area and was solid. But you have to admit some of his acquaintances could have easily fit right into a season of the Sopranos.

Vernon rode at River Downs, Tampa Bay Downs, Suffolk, and Rockingham Park. Only a handful of mounts at Great Barrington Fair. One of best horses he ever rode was Waquoit whose earnings topped over $2.2 million. He eventually lost the mount as many riders do to the big-name reinsmen. Known for his ability to relish off track surfaces, and in the hands of a magician was enough to know that Vernon helped him get started. He has won six wins twice, and five wins many times. He was put up twice in his career running third, and the top two were disqualified. Right place at the right time.

As many athletes, Bush had some run ins with the law and battled alcohol and drugs over the course of his career. Add in injuries and you can see some big gaps in Vernon's career. But you can't keep a good man down as he lost many years but still retained the same boyish ability as he had on the pony as a young lad. For those wondering, Vernon has 5 years sobriety under his belt, and he is very proud of his accomplishment. He said, "go ahead, look it up. It's all true about me and I stand and take full responsibility." His story is far from over. He has a son who is a professional wrestler and daughter working in Ocala, Florida. His voice seemed to smile when he mentioned his grandson.

Vernon Bush called it a riding career in January 2026 as he rode his final mount. He was given a leg up by Bill March and won aboard Protest in his final race riding. Things are far from over and a new chapter is about to begin as he will travel to Delaware Park and become a placing judge. I think he will be a great racing official, and don't ask him if you don't want to hear the truth. I was happy to call Vernon into the winner's circle at Belterra Park many times and watched him school younger riders who passed him, but Vern would still hold a little bit in the tank for the final 100 yards. I've known Vernon for years, and I'm so happy every time I see him. That infectious smile and aw-shucks attitude made him tough to ride against and a good bet at the windows.