The 2023 racing season concluded at Eldorado Scioto Downs this past weekend on Saturday, Sept. 16.
Chase H Hanover and Tony Hall took the last $27,000 Open Pace of the year in 1:48.2. The five-year-old gelding by Captaintreacherous was fresh off a fourth-place finish in the Jim Ewart Memorial Pace the previous weekend during Ohio Super Night. Chase H Hanover, owned by Bottom Line Racing and Carl Howard, is trained by Scioto’s leading trainer Virgil Morgan Jr.
Morgan took top training honours for the 29th consecutive season, with 109 wins in 430 starts and $1.65 million in earnings.
Dan Noble was the meet’s leading driver with 175 wins in 1,036 starts and $2.7 million in earnings. Noble, the son of U.S. Harness Racing Hall of Fame member Sam “Chip” Noble III, also surpassed 7,000 in career lifetime wins during the Scioto season.
The 90-day Scioto race meet generated a 32 per cent increase in handle, more than $13 million, compared to 2022 numbers. The 2020 racing season, in which Scioto was the first track open after the COVID-19 shutdown, produced the best wagering year in track history, and handle this year was only one per cent off from that historic year.
“We appreciate the support of our horsemen, fans and gamblers to make our 2023 season one of our best racing years yet,” said Jason Roth, Scioto’s Director of Racing. “The new grandstand brought a lot of positive energy, both from our fans and employees. We’re already looking forward to making 2024 even better yet.
“Events such as the wiener dog races, bike giveaway, inflatables races and family nights will be brought back next season. The addition of Jenna [Otten, as on-air commentator], having our Super Night on Fox Sports and hosting the richest day in Ohio harness racing history, all contributed to our successful year and we look forward to expanding on that next year.”
Visit sciotocowns.com for information on how to enjoy the Eldorado Scioto Downs property in the off season, including dining at Brew Brothers restaurant and exciting events coming up such monthly gaming promotions, simulcasting contests, New Year's Eve activities and more.
(With files from Scioto Downs)