Vernon, NY – Digging For Gold (Ron Harp) won the $8,500 featured Open Pace at Vernon Downs on Saturday (Sept. 26).
War Of Will (John MacDonald) led to the opening quarter in :26.1. Mullinax (Aaron Byron) took command heading to the backstretch and was first to the half in :54.2. Digging For Gold ($10.22) made his move as they went around the final turn.
Mullinax led to three quarters in 1:22.3.
As they reached the stretch, Digging For Gold passed third-place finisher Mullinax. Second-place finisher Natameri (Jacquavyian Carter) came charging late but was too late as Digging For Gold won in 1:50.3.
Digging For Gold is a 4-year-old gelding by Huntsville. He is owned by Big Sky Ranch and trained by Harp. It was his fourth win this season and 16th career victory.
Leon Bailey had a driving hat trick. Chris Long, Dylan Huckabone-Miller, and Aaron Byron had driving doubles. David Dewhurst had a training double.
Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Friday (Oct. 2) with a post time of 5:05 p.m.