Fresh off his Canada Day hat trick, driver John MacDonald registered another three-win night on Saturday (July 2) at Vernon Downs, but he had to share top honours with Chris Lems over the course of the nine-race card.
MacDonald held sway narrowly with the favoured Count Speed ($4.60) in the featured $5,500 Miracle Mile Trot, controlling the pace and prevailing over the first-over Walk The Floor in 1:55.2. The "Prime Minister" also trains the seven-year-old Majestic Son gelding for owners Paul and Patricia O'Neil. MacDonald's other two driving wins on the night came aboard Doug Miller trainee Shoemaker Hanover ($7.80, 1:58.1) and Dave Dewhurst trainee Choke Hold ($4.80, 1:56.2).
Lems drove the longest-priced winner of the night in Fox Valley Photog ($46.00, 1:57) as part of his hat trick, also teaming up with Winbak Meadow ($9.40, 1:58) and the impressive Swinging Royalty ($2.20, 1:54.1), who sprinted off to a 15-length triumph in a $3,600 trotting event for young distaffers.
After a dark day on Sunday, Vernon Downs will offer a 12-race Independence Day card. Post time on Monday (July 4) is slated for 1:25 p.m. Eastern.
(with files from Vernon)