When JDS Chancey Design and driver Tyler Smith won the 14th and final race at Hollywood Dayton Raceway on Wednesday afternoon (Dec. 30), the curtain dropped on a successful racing meet — the seventh in the track's history.

Despite a reduction in race dates from 78 in 2019 to 64 in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, total all-source handle increased by almost $4 million. The daily average leapt from $268,426 a year ago to $372,174 this campaign.

"I want to thank the entire racing staff and the entire Dayton Raceway horse community for putting on an outstanding show, despite a number of unusual, out-of-the-ordinary obstacles that had to be overcome," said director of racing Jason Bluhm. "Everyone should take pride in what was accomplished and look forward optimistically to what else can be done in 2021."

Brett Miller, who notched 135 victories, was the leading driver for the second straight year. Earnings for his mounts at the meet surpassed the $1 million plateau during the season's final week. Rounding out the top 10 drivers were: Josh Sutton (110), Tyler Smith and Jeremy Smith (89 each), Chris Page (52), Trevor Smith (50), Trace Tetrick (45), Kayne Kauffman (43), Dan Noble (39) and Shawn Barker II (33).

Ron Burke narrowly edged Virgil Morgan Jr. by two victories to garner his first training title at Hollywood Dayton. Other top-10 trainers were Christi Noble, Peter Redder, Ken Rucker, Charles Stewart, J.D. Perrin, Michael Hitchcock, Jason Brewer and Tyler George.

Brett Miller (centre) and Ron Burke assistant trainer Jason Ludwig (second from right) were honoured as the top performers at the 2020 meeting at Hollywood Dayton Raceway.

The southern Ohio live harness racing circuit now shifts to Miami Valley Raceway, with opening day slated for Sunday afternoon (Jan. 3).

(Hollywood Dayton Raceway)