Officials from Scioto Downs Racino announced the track will host a press night on Tuesday, May 7 starting at 6:00 p.m. Qualifying races start at 6:30 p.m. and will give attendees a chance to preview the harness races and have first glimpse at the newly renovated clubhouse.

Qualifiers will typically be held Tuesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. but the switch to Tuesday evening will allow the facility to execute a dry run before opening day. The box for qualifiers will close Mondays at 9:00 a.m.

“We are excited to show the media and local officials a preview of what our races will be like this summer,” said Scioto Downs’ General Manager of Racing Operations Stacy Cahill. “We have more horsemen and horses racing here and will have more exciting and competitive races this year than ever before.”

Once video lottery terminals (VLTs) became operational at the track in June 2012, horsemen racing at Scioto saw an increase in purse money, as well as competition. However, the purse account isn’t the only thing at Scioto seeing resurgence. The clubhouse is now the second area at Scioto that has seen major improvements in the last year. In early 2012 the Penthouse, which now hosts year round simulcasting, saw a complete facelift.

“This winter our employees have worked hard to renovate the clubhouse that has been around for decades,” explained Cahill. “New flat screen tvs, flooring, tables, chairs, and bars have been put in to give people coming to the track a comfortable and up-to-date area to watch, and wager on, the races. We have also worked to improve the player rewards for those placing bets with our IN Club card.”

Racing will be held every Wednesday-Saturday with a post time of 6:30 p.m. through Saturday, September 14. Special 1:00 p.m. cards will be held on May 27 (Memorial Day), July 4th, August 3 (State Fair races) and September 2 (Labor Day). The box will close on Friday for Wednesday race nights, Monday for Thursday, Tuesday for Friday and Wednesday for Saturday. For the two special Monday cards (Memorial Day and Labor Day), the box will close on Thursday.

(Scioto Downs)