Representatives from Caesars Entertainment and Eldorado Scioto Downs announced at the Dan Patch Awards on Sunday, Feb. 23 that the south Columbus, Ohio oval will be the host of the 2026 Breeders Crown.

“The Hambletonian Society is excited and proud to be bringing the 2026 Breeders Crown to Scioto Downs and the Ohio harness racing community," said John Campbell, president and CEO of The Hambletonian Society, which owns and services the Breeders Crown races. "Having worked with Joe Morris and his team for two Breeders Crowns at Hoosier and seeing the commitment made to racing at Scioto Downs by both the OHHA [Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association] and Caesars Entertainment, this was a perfect fit for all of us.” 

“The support from the OHHA to have all divisions of the Breeders Crown in Ohio has been unparalleled,” said Joe Morris, senior vice-president of racing for Caesars Entertainment. “We’re grateful for the partnership between OHHA, Caesars and The Hambletonian Society to have the races at Scioto.”

In the rich 66-year history of Scioto Downs, the track has only ever hosted two singular divisions of the Breeders Crown: the aged mare trot in 1986, won by Grades Singing and Herve Filion, and the aged open pace in 1988, won by Call For Rain and Clint Galbraith.

“In the winter of ‘22/’23 we built our new grandstand and now this winter, we have been building a new paddock,” explained Jason Roth, director of racing at Scioto. “Caesars has invested heavily in the track, both for patrons and our horsemen. The culmination of these projects made Scioto a great potential host for the Breeders Crown, which we are thrilled to host next year.”

Scioto’s race meet historically runs from the Thursday after the Kentucky Derby through the Saturday before Jug week. Discussions for the 2026 racing season are still underway, but the Breeders Crown races will be held during October.

As previously announced, the 2025 Breeders Crown will be held at Woodbine Mohawk Park in Campbellville, Ont. over two nights on Oct. 24 and 25.

(With files from Eldorado Scioto Downs)