Purses at Scioto Downs are just like the temperatures this summer --- they keep going up, up, up.

Scioto will be implementing its third purse increase in the past month when it begins its Thursday-through-Saturday racing schedule this week.

“Most purses are up 50 per cent or higher,” said the track's general manager, Stacy Cahill. “The Open events will now go for $15,000.”

For example, Scioto has an Open Pace for fillies and mares going for $15,000 on Friday night. That’s part of a 12-race card with 10 horses in all of the races.

“Ten-horse fields make for great betting,” Cahill noted. “Our betting has been up consistently throughout this meet and that’s one of the reasons why we can increase purses. And the opening of the racino in early June certainly helped, too.”

Cahill emphasized that she’s extremely grateful for the loyalty of Scioto horsemen in recent years when times were tough and purses modest at the track.

“They stood by us and raced their horses with us,” she added. “We want to show them that loyalty is a two-way street and reward them for their loyalty."

Any horse that has not raced at Scioto at least once in their last three starts must be submitted for approval by the track committee. Submittal forms will be available online, in the paddock, and in the race office. No horse will be considered without a submittal form. Scioto’s track committee meets weekly to consider new horses.

On Saturday, Scioto will celebrate 'Back to the Track Night' with 14 races, including four Ohio Sires Stakes events and an Open Trot and Open Pace, each going for $15,000.

The second race on Saturday will be the Ohio Driving Legends Trot featuring Dan Ater, Sandy Beatty, Jack Dailey, Jim Dailey, Don McKirgan, Scott Mogan, David Myers, Chip Noble, Ray Paver, and Marty Wollam.

“We look forward to a great evening of racing on Saturday,” said Cahill.

(Scioto)