The 2018 racing season is fast approaching at Eldorado Scioto Downs, with a slight change in schedule from recent years.
Opening day is Tuesday, May 8, with a first post at 2 p.m. Scioto will host 2 p.m. matinee cards on both Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the season and will continue with the traditional 6:30 p.m. post time on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
The first qualifying session is scheduled for Wednesday (May 2) at 9:30 a.m. Regular weekly qualifiers will be scheduled on Mondays starting on May 7 at 9:30 a.m. until further notice. Horsepeople are reminded that any horse that is entered must have a current Coggins within one year.
Scioto will be racing for more than $15 million in purses for the 2018 racing season. The condition sheets will be available online shortly for the first full week of racing. The box for opening day will close on Thursday (May 3) at 9 a.m. Horsemen are encouraged to use the USTA’s online entry.
On Saturday, June 9, the top trotters in the country will make their way to Columbus to compete in the Charlie Hill Memorial for a purse of $200,000. There are 29 horses eligible to the Charlie Hill, including last year’s winner, Crazy Wow, and older male trotter of the year, Marion Marauder.
The Jug Preview was well received in the first year since its hiatus 10 years ago. With 61 of the top three-year-olds nominated to the race, the $125,000 Preview will be a great addition to Ohio Super Night, held closing night, September 8. Also on tap for closing night will be the $225,000 Jim Ewart Memorial, with 47 of the sport's best older pacers nominated.
To view the complete 2018 race schedule and a list of all nominations to races at Scioto Downs, including the Ohio State Fair, visit the Scioto Downs website (sciotodowns.com).
(Scioto Downs)