Driving grand slam for Jimmy Whittemore

Chatelroll (Claude Huckabone Jr.) charged late in the stretch to capture the $7,000 Open Pace at Vernon Downs on Saturday (July 31) and harness racing driver Jimmy Whittemore scored a driving grand slam.

Seel The Deal N (Truman Gale) took the early lead. Major Leaguer (Jimmy Whittemore) took control just before hitting the first quarter first in :27.2. Bruce’s Magic (Justin Huckabone) came first over down the backstretch and took a short lead and led to the half in :56.1.

Major Leaguer took the lead back and led to three-quarters in 1:24.2. Chatelroll ($2.70) was fifth after three-quarters. As they made the turn for home, he would pass them all and win easily in 1:52.0.

Major Leaguer held on for second. Warrawee Unique (Leon Bailey) came up to finish third.

CHATELROLL REPLAY

Chatelroll is a 5-year-old horse by Roll With Joe. He is owned by the Purple Haze Stables and trained by George Ducharme. It was his seventh win this season and 18th career victory.

Whittemore combined with trainer Marissa Chadbourne for wins with Star Commander N ($4.00), Bold Fresh ($53.50), and Love Live Laugh ($7.80). His fourth driving win came with All Night Credit ($3.30).

Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Friday (August 6). Post time is 6:10 p.m.

For full race results, click here.

by John Horne, for Vernon Downs