Bettors Donttell (Brad Irvine) was joined in the winner's circle by a large congregation of industry participants paying tribute to the late Linda Sorenson as he won the $10,274 featured Linda Sorenson Memorial Pace at Vernon Downs on Saturday, July 12.

Capt Jack Hanover (John MacDonald) led through opening fractions of :26 and :55.3. Mister Miami (Chris Long) came first-up to challenge for the lead as they went around the final turn with Bettors Donttell on his back. Capt Jack Hanover and Mister Miami were level at the three-quarter mark in 1:23.2, and those two battled into the lane. Capt Jack Hanover put away Mister Miami, but they were joined three-wide by a late-charging Bettors Donttell ($18.40), who surged by both to win by a length in 1:51.3. Capt Jack Hanover had to settle for second with Mister Miami completing the ticket.

Bettors Donttell made his first trip to Vernon in his 120th start, notching career win number 23. The seven-year-old gelding by Bettors Delight-Donttellruss is owned by Gerald Longo and trained by Laura Shock. He is three-for-13 this year.

Sorenson was involved in harness racing for more than five decades. She was married to Vernon Downs trainer Jeff Sorenson for 41 years.

Whittemore and Long earned driving doubles. MacDonald had a driving-training double.

Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Thursday with a post time of 5:05 p.m.

(With files from Vernon Downs)