Kentucky Derby's Epicenter: Descended from Donuts and American Dream

Verne bought Denny's donut shop for $27,000 in 1958. Verne ran Dennys until 1984, when he retired and cashed out his stock for a reported $600 million. He had four children from two marriages, two daughters and two sons. Ron followed his father to the track and in his early 20s was involved in discussions about horse purchases. In October 2002 Ron and his dad decided to sell their horses. Ron runs his business from Las Vegas, but visits Kentucky to watch Epicenter work for trainer Steve Asmussen. The farm was bought by Ron's father as Oakwind Farm, and since recast as Corinthia Farm.