For the second consecutive year, Chase H Hanover took the closing night Open Pace at Eldorado Scioto Downs in 1:48.2.
In the $33,784 Open on Saturday, Sept. 14, Artatac A (Dan Noble) took the early lead going to the :26 opening quarter with Donttouchmytruck (Chris Presley) sitting in the pocket. Tyler Smith took Chase H Hanover back to last from post six and stayed in through the :54.1 half, as Save America (Brett Miller) went first-up. Heading towards three-quarters in 1:21, Save America was wheel to wheel with Artatac A, while Chase H Hanover was sitting third-over. Midway through the last turn, Save America cleared and Chase H Hanover was first-up, continuing to gain ground. Posting a :26.4 last quarter, Chase H Hanover was a half-length the best to win over Save America. Art Scaping (Sam Widger) got up for third more than seven lengths behind.
Chase H Hanover, a six-year-old gelding by Captaintreacherous, is owned by Odds On Racing and Carl Howard. The millionaire pacer, now seven-for-18 on the year, has won 29 races lifetime.
Chase H Hanover is trained by Virgil Morgan Jr., who was Scioto’s leading trainer for the 2024 season. This was his 30th consecutive training title at the south Columbus, Ohio oval for Morgan as he ended the season with 108 wins in 419 starts and more than $2.2 million in earnings.
The leading driver of the meet was Dan Noble, who had 235 wins in 1,152 starts.
Both Noble and Morgan were joined by family and friends in the winner’s circle after the eighth race as they were recognized for their achievements.
The last race of the 2024 season was won by Sam Widger and Make Me An Offer. Widger was involved in an accident on June 15 and due to wrist surgery, had some time away from the track. After having a few starts earlier this week, Widger made it back to the winner’s circle twice on closing night, first with General Dolan in race four and back in the 16th and final.
While the racing season has ended, Eldorado Scioto Downs is open year-round for simulcasting as well as gaming and dining experiences. On Saturday, Sept. 21, Scioto will host a qualifying event with the top three winners receiving an entry to the National Handicapping Contest in Las Vegas (March 2025), along with travel stipends and wagering vouchers to be used at Scioto during 2024.
(With files from Scioto Downs)