Digging For Gold wins closing night Open Pace

Digging For Gold (Huntsville) Ron Harp captures the $8,500 Open Pace at Vernon Downs on Saturday (November 14).

Mullinax (Chris Long) took the early lead but Digging For Gold ($9.44) went by just before hitting the quarter first in :27.3.  He used a :29.0 second quarter to be first to the half in :56.3.  Red Blooded (John MacDonald) came flying by heading to the final turn and led to three quarters in 1:24.0.

As they reached the stretch Digging For Gold reclaimed the lead.  Second place finisher Mullinax and third place finisher Prairie Rocknroll (Aaron Byron) came charging late but Digging For Gold was too strong and won in 1:52.3 in the slop.

DIGGING FOR GOLD REPLAY

Digging For Gold is the 2026 pacer of the year.  The 4-year-old gelding by Huntsville had six Open Pace wins and a third in seven starts.  He is owned by Big Sky Ranch and trained by Ron Harp

The 2026 trotter of the year went to City Of Hope.  The 6-year-old gelding by Met’s Hall has won the featured trot five times (including tonight) in just eight starts with a second, a third, and a fourth-place finish.  He is owned by Philip Hale and trainer David Dewhurst.

Leon Bailey (grand slam tonight) secured his third straight driver’s dash title and his fifth all time.  He was first with 143 wins.  Chris Long was second with 122 victories.  Jimmy Whittemore (58), John MacDonald (50), and Jacquavyian Carter (40) round out the top five.

David Dewhurst won the trainer of the year title with 42 wins.  Gary Gibson and Michelle Warner tied for second with 39 tallies.  Jessica Okusko (34) and John MacDonald (33) rounded out the top five

Vernon Downs wants to thank all employees, horse people, and fans for the great 2026 season.  We will see you in 2027!

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

by John Horne, for Vernon Downs