by Jason Zielinski, Publicity and Marketing Director, Scioto Downs
Columbus, OH — Another track record fell on Monday at Scioto Downs, as the last Family Day of the year went out with a bang, with nine late closer finals filling the card.
However, it was Rompaway Stacey and driver/trainer Donald Harmon who stole the show, as the two combined to stop the timer first in 1:55 in the final of the Heart of Ohio Trot.
Starting out of the sixth post position, the seven-year-old mare by NV Worthy found herself parked out after the half and heading towards the three-quarters mark after the frontrunners set fractions of :271 and :574.
However, Harmon asked for more out of the Michigan-bred, and she answered, eventually grabbing the lead after the three-quarter pole.
After a speedy final quarter posting of :29 flat, Rompaway Stacey and company found themselves in the winner’s circle, and the owners of a new track record for older trotting mares, previously held by DJ Babe and driver Del S. Miller back in 2000.
The win by Rompaway Stacey was her 12th in 28 starts on the year, as the mare owned by Rompaway Farms Inc. now holds two track records at Scioto Downs.
Following the race, friends of Jeanie Levers gathered in the winner’s circle as owner Robert Kauffman donated a $1,000 check to the James Cancer Fund in memory of Jeanie who lost her battle with cancer earlier this year.
Jeanie worked as a groom for many years for trainer Danny Collins, and took care of World Champion Hez Striking.
Accepting the check on behalf of The James was Amy Cook. Also present in the winner’s circle was Beverly Clark, who was very instrumental in putting together the race in memory of Jeanie.
The remaining late closer finals finished as:
- Hugh Beatty Trot- Classic Toy, 2:004, Hugh Beatty
- Brad Farrington Pace- Not Aday Goes By, 1:551, Jeff Nisonger
- Heart of Ohio Trot- Glory Bound, 1:571, Jeff Fout
- Dick Brandt Pace- Eastern Photo, 1:564, Jim Dailey
- Dick Buxton Trot- Rose Corsage, 1:58, Brett Miller
- Curly Smart Pace- Gryffindor, 1:574, Del S. Miller
- Capital City Pace- Magical Mickey, 1:533, Brett Miller
- William Sargent Pace- Mr. Socks, 1:524, Brett Miller