Chris Long had a harness racing driving grand slam including a win with Prospectors Gold (Huntsville) in the featured $7,500 pace at Vernon Downs on Saturday (June 7).

Prospectors Gold ($2.80) jumped out to the lead and led to the quarter in :26.2.  He used a :29.1 second quarter to be first to the half in :55.3.  Bluesville (Ron Harp) came first-up to challenge as they went around the paddock turn.  Prospectors Gold led to three-quarters in 1:24.1.

As they reached mid-stretch second place finisher Twin B Kinston (Leon Bailey) found an opening on the inside and came flying late but Prospectors Gold dug in and just held on to win in 1:52.1.  Excursion (Brad Irvine) finished third.

Prospectors Gold is a 6-year-old gelding by Huntsville.  He is owned and trained by Gary Levine.  It was his sixth win this season.  He now owns 17 career victories.

PROSPECTORS GOLD REPLAY

Long got his other wins with HB Labbatoy, Night Hunter, and Mister Miami.  John MacDonald and Leon Bailey each picked up driving doubles.

Vernon Downs returns to live racing featuring the Empire Breeders Classic for 3-year-old trotters on Friday (June 13) with a post time of 12:15 p.m.

For more information go to www.vernondowns.com.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

by John Horne, for Vernon Downs