The 2012 racing season at Scioto Downs, which promises to be the most exciting in the track’s history, started on Thursday night. Area racing fans flocked to see the improvements in the track, which opened in 1959
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What they couldn’t miss, of course, was the huge building that will house video lottery terminals when expanded gaming gets underway at Scioto in June. The new structure is immediately west of the track grandstand. Workers are putting the finishing touches on the spacious facility and men and women in hard hats mixed with bettors in the parking lot and grandstand.
Many veterans racing fans took note of the completely refurbished penthouse at Scioto while others noticed improvements in the box seats, patio tables, and the fresh paint that gave the track an inviting appearance.
On the track, TKs Diva took the opening night feature in a trotting effort timed in 2:02.1. Driver Ray Paver put the six-year-old mare on the lead soon after the start and she held off her pursuers with a swift final half-mile.
TKs Diva is trained by Becky Zubkoff for owner Howard Taylor and it was her fourth win in 14 starts this season.
After two opening quarters in :31.1, the action heated up with a third quarter timed in :29.1 as Paver put some distance between TKs Diva and her pursuers. Passionate Gold tried to stay with the leader, but was unable to do so and Chandelier rallied in the stretch to edge Passionate Gold for second place.
The winner paid $3.40.
The opening night program started with a daily double by Chris Page of Mt. Vernon, a former Scioto Downs driving champion. Page added another victory in the evening’s third race to give him a driving triple to start the 2012 Scioto season. Ray Paver and Jeremy Smith both had driving doubles.
Scioto races on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings with post time at 6:30 p.m.
(Scioto Downs)