JK Panache and driver Chris Lems won the $9,500 Open Pace on Saturday night (May 27) at Vernon Downs.

The eight-year-old Art Major gelding took over at the quarter mark and never looked back. Owned by Phillip Hale and trainer David Dewhurst, JK Panache ($2.90) held off a late charge by Sassy Hanover (Claude Huckabone Jr.) to win in 1:51.2. Modern Gesture (Jimmy Wittemore) finished third.

Live harness racing returns to Vernon Downs on Monday (May 29) when the track will host the New York Sire Stakes for three-year-old trotting colts. First-race post time is 1:05 p.m.

(With files from Vernon Downs)