Dayton, OH — When JDS Chancey Design (Tyler Smith) won the 14th and final race at Hollywood Dayton Raceway on Wednesday (Dec. 30) afternoon, the curtain dropped on a very successful seventh annual live racing meet.

Hollywood Dayton’s leading driver in 2020 was Brett Miller. Leading trainer title went to Ron Burke, represented in photo by second trainer Jason Ludwig. Presenting them with cash rewards for their feats were OHHA rep Brett Merkle, race secretary Gregg Keidel and Director of Racing Jason Bluhm. Conrad photo.

Despite a reduction in race dates from 78 in 2019 to 64 in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, total all-source handle increased by almost $4 million. The daily average leaped from $268,426 a year ago to $372,174 this campaign.

“I want to thank the entire racing staff and the entire Dayton Raceway horse community for putting on an outstanding show, despite a number of unusual out-of-the-ordinary obstacles that had to be overcome,” said Director of Racing Jason Bluhm. “Everyone should take pride in what was accomplished and look forward optimistically to what else can be done in 2021.”

Leading driver for the second straight year was Brett Miller, who notched 135 victories. Earnings for his mounts surpassed the $1 million plateau during the final week of the meet.

Rounding out the top ten in the driver’s dash derby were Josh Sutton (110), Tyler Smith and Jeremy Smith (89 each), Chris Page (52), Trevor Smith (50), Trace Tetrick (45), Kayne Kauffman (43), Dan Noble (39) and Shawn Barker II (33).

Ron Burke narrowly edged Virgil Morgan Jr. by two victories to garner his first training title at Hollywood Dayton. Other top ten trainers were Christi Noble, Peter Redder, Ken Rucker, Charles Stewart, J.D. Perrin, Michael Hitchcock, Jason Brewer and Tyler George.

The southern Ohio live harness racing circuit now shifts to Miami Valley Raceway with opening day slated for Sunday afternoon (Jan. 3).