Discus Hanover held off Credit List to capture the $7,000 Open Trot at Vernon Downs on Saturday (July 24).
Discus Hanover took the lead just before hitting the first quarter first in :25.4. Spoiler Alert came alongside to challenge as they reached the backstretch. Discus Hanover led to the half in :56.1. As they moved around the final turn the favourite, Credit List, made his move. Discus Hanover led to three-quarters in 1:25.4.
In the stretch Discus Hanover braced for the late charge of Credit List. Discus Hanover dug in as Credit List just kept coming. In the end Discus Hanover held off second-place finisher Credit List to win in 1:54.4. Frisky Joe finished third.
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Discus Hanover is a four-year-old gelding by Credit Winner. He is owned by Phillip Hale and trainer David Dewhurst. It was his seventh win this season. He now has 23 victories in his career. Leon Bailey drove the $6.90 winner.
Leon Bailey drove three winners on the card and leads all drivers with 65 wins. Justin Huckabone is second on the list with 31 victories. Chris Long had three wins tonight and is third with 25 trips to the winner’s circle. Jimmy Whittemore (21) and John MacDonald (20) round out the top five.
Jeff Sorenson leads all trainers with 17 wins. Jessica Okusko and Bruce Lauer are tied for second with 14 wins a piece. Justin Huckabone (13) and Gary Gibson (11) round out the top five.
On a side note, the amazing 76-year-old Miriam Toland went gate-to-wire with First Response ($10.60). Toland is believed to be the oldest woman to win a pari-mutuel race.
Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Friday (July 30). Post time is 6:10 p.m. (EDT).
(Vernon Downs)