Huntressville A blasted to the front in the third quarter and remained steadfast down the stretch to win the $11,644 Fillies and Mares Open Pace on opening night at Vernon Downs on Saturday, April 18.
Leon Bailey dropped Huntressville A in third while Discoveringthehunt (Henry Westbrook III) pushed forward to make front past the quarter in :26. Discoveringthehunt brought the field to the half in :56.2 before Huntressville A shifted out and forged to the top before three-quarters in 1:25. She remained on the march around the final turn to gain separation on her foes, and the stretch bid of Quarrel (Chris Long) came up short as Huntressville A won by a length in a lifetime best of 1:52.2. Celcius (Steeven Genois) was third.
Huntressville A, a seven-year-old daughter of Huntsville-Our Burning Desire, recorded her first career win at Vernon and her first overall through six attempts in 2026. Joe Skowyra trains the mare, who is now 18-for-78 lifetime, for owners William and Sarah MacMillan of Glenwood, Maryland. The win price was $17.16.
Bailey struck first in the race for the drivers' title, also winning with Pembroke Ali ($2.32), Gotta Go Gram ($7.24) and So Diva ($2.72) for a grand slam on the 13-race card. Chris Long and Joe Nassimos had driving doubles. Skowyra and Michelle Warner both sent out two winners.
Vernon Downs will host its next card on Friday, April 24 with a post time of 5:05 p.m.
(With files from Vernon Downs)