Live harness racing returns to Eldorado Scioto Downs with a slew of late closers for non-winners of one, non-winners of two, and Buckeye Stallion Series eligibles.
The first series has its initial legs starting opening week for horses eligible to the Buckeye Stallion Series that did not race in the first leg of the Ohio Sires Stakes. Horses must race in both legs (purse $15,000) to be eligible to the $30,000 (est.) final. There is a $150 entry fee for the series.
- The Nobleland Sam (three-year-old colt pacers) - May 14, May 21, May 28
- The Falcon Almahurst (three-year-old filly pacers) - May 13, May 20, May 27
- The Overcomer (three-year-old colt trotters) - May 12, May 19, May 30
- The Full Count (three-year-old filly trotters) - May 12, May 19, May 30
The second series, named after Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association (OHHA) past presidents or executive directors, is for five-year-old and under Ohio-sired horses who are non-winners of one pari-mutual race or $7,500 life. Horses must be eligible at the time the box closes for the initial leg. There is an entry fee for the series – $100 if starting in the opening leg, $200 if the horse misses the first leg and enters the second leg. Legs will go for $13,000 and the finals for $30,000 (est.).
- The Jerry Knappenberger (colt pacers) - May 19, May 26, June 2
- The Steve McCoy (filly pacers) - May 20, May 27, June 10
- The Kevin Greenfield (colt trotters) - May 18, May 30, June 8
- The John Konesky III (filly trotters) - May 17, May 30, June 7
Starting in mid-June, there will be an Ohio-sired non-winners of two or $15,000 life series with two $16,000 legs and $32,000 (est.) finals. Another series will be for horses eligible to the Buckeye Stallion Series that did not race in the second leg of the Ohio Sires Stakes. Each of the four divisions will have four legs and a final, also starting in mid-June. More details about these races will be available as race dates get closer.
The 90-day live racing season will start on Thursday, May 12 and continue through Saturday, Sept. 17. All live racing days will have a 3:15 p.m. first post.
(Scioto Downs)