Digging For Gold captured the final $12,143 Open Handicap Pace of the season at Vernon Downs to go along with his Pacer of the Year Award as the track concluded its meet on Saturday, Nov. 14.
The unrelenting rain led to a sloppy track for the season finale, but Digging For Gold shone as he has all meet with a 1:52.3 victory. Mullinax (Chris Long) took the early lead but allowed Digging For Gold to take over just before hitting the quarter in :27.3. After leading to the half in :56.3 for trainer-driver Ron Harp, Digging For Gold yielded to Red Blooded (John MacDonald) on the way to three-quarters in 1:24, then switched back out to take over down the stretch and prevail by two lengths. Mullinax finished second, followed by Prairie Rocknroll (Aaron Byron).
The winning four-year-old son of Huntsville-Gold Orchid N had six Open Pace wins and a third in seven starts after relocating to Vernon in August. Digging For Gold, owned by Big Sky Ranch, is now seven-for-16 this year and 19-for-44 lifetime. He paid $9.44 to win.
The 2026 Trotter of the Year went to City Of Hope, who also won on the night, taking a $10,714 conditioned event. The six-year-old gelding by Mets Hall-Doin The City won the featured trot five times in eight starts at the meet with a second, a third and a fourth-place finish. He is owned by Philip Hale and trainer David Dewhurst.
Leon Bailey, who had a grand slam on the 10-race Saturday card, secured his third straight driving dash title and his fifth overall. He was first with 143 wins, followed by Chris Long in second with 122 victories. Jimmy Whittemore (58), John MacDonald (50) and Jacquavyian Carter (40) rounded out the top five.
David Dewhurst led the trainers with 42 wins on the season. Gary Gibson and Michelle Warner tied for second with 39 tallies. Jessica Okusko (34) and John MacDonald (33) completed the top five.
(With files from Vernon Downs)