Golden Gun (Jeff Sorenson) captures the $4,400 featured pace on
closing night at Vernon Downs on Friday (September 26).
Golden Gun ($22.00) went straight to the front and led to the first
quarter in :26.3. Chip Walther (Leon
Bailey) followed second with Chatelroll (Truman Gale) in third. Golden Gun controlled the pace with a :29.0
second quarter hitting the half in :55.3.
As they headed for three-quarters Golden Gun hung on to a slight lead
getting there first in1:23.1.
As the made the turn for
home they were three across the track as Golden Gun was joined by Chip Walther
and Chatelroll. Golden Gun dug in as
Chaptelroll backed off. It was down to
two Golden Gun and Chip Walther battling in deep stretch. In the end Golden Gun was too tough winning
in 1:51.1. Chip Walther was second but
placed fifth for interference with Chatelroll as they headed to three-quarters. Late-charging Clouseau Hanover (Jennifer
Lappe) was awarded second.
Johnnysfirecracker (Chris Long) finished third.
Golden Gun is a 10-year-old gelding by Headmaster. He is owned by the Wiz Kids Stables and
trained by Sorenson. It was his third
win this season and 38th career victory.
Chris Long drove three winners on the card. Jennifer Lappe had a driving-training double
on the night. Gary Levine trained two
winners on his birthday.
Leon Bailey is top driver of 2020.
Leon Bailey wins the Vernon Downs dash title with 47 victories at
the Miracle Mile. He is now on a prestigious list that includes his grandfather
Vernon Downs legend, Jack (The Ripper) Bailey.
Jack won multiple titles during his reign at Vernon. Long time defending champion John MacDonald
finished second in 2020 with 43 tallies.
Howard Parker (30), Jimmy Whittemore (24), and Jennifer Lappe (16) round
out the top five.
Kerin Warner takes training title.
Kerin Warner led all trainers in 2020 with 19 wins. George Ducharme finished second with 17
tallies. Claude Huckabone III, Jennifer
Lappe, and David Dewhurst tied for third with 16 wins each.
Jenny Lake earns 2020 horse of the year.
Jenny Lake used eight wins in 12 starts at Vernon Downs this
season to capture horse of the year honors.
The trotter is a 4-year-old mare by RC Royalty. Her regular driver was Leon Bailey. She is trained by Paul Minckler for owners Ed
Namiotka Jr. and Carol Namiotka.
Vernon Downs would like to thank all fans and horse people for a
successful 2020 season even with all the obstacles thrown our way. We can’t wait for the 2021 season.
For more information go to www.vernondowns.com
