from Scioto Downs Racino

Columbus, OH — Thousands of people headed out to Scioto Downs Racino for “Back to the Track” on Saturday evening. Four Ohio Sire Stakes races, three opens and an invitational race highlighted the racing card, while other activities were going on throughout the racetrack.

Contessa Leigh and Pink Camo continued their incredible domination in their respective trotting and pacing Sire Stakes divisions. Sam “Chip” Noble drove reigning Sire Stakes champion Contessa Leigh to a new lifetime mark, 1:56.4, for trainer Marty Wollam. The filly by Full Count out of the Overcomer mare Howl now has three wins in four starts this year, with each win being in a Sire Stakes event.

“She started out kinda anxious this year and tonight she was just perfect,” said Noble. “She was very much within herself there.”

“She’s so handy on a half-mile track,” he continued. “When I raced her at Lebanon (May 3) she felt like she could have gone two seconds faster down there (she won in 1:59.4), it was amazing.”

Pink Camo (Pine Valley – CG’s Gem) kept her Sire Stakes win streak alive when she won by 5-3/4 lengths in 1:55 for driver Tony Hall and trainer Ron Burke.

“She’s just very versatile, she’s just an all-around nice horse,” said Hall. “She can do it any way. Today she really didn’t want to get off the gate (the pair got away third out of the four hole) but it worked out. She always gives you what she’s got.”

The other two divisions were won by Diplomat’s Mistress (Master Lavec – Diplomatic Pouch) in 1:58.4 and Igottafeelinfran (Feelin Friskie – Fran Anna) in 1:53.4. David Myers drove the Mike Sowers trained Diplomat’s Mistress to a 1-3/4 length victory over race favorite MJ’s Victory Wish (Chris Page).

Igottafeelinfran was driven by Dan Noble for trainer Jim Dailey and won by a nose over Crosswind Colleen (Ronnie Wrenn, Jr.); race favorite Two Friskie (Kyle Ater) was 2-1/2 lengths behind the pair.

“I had a great feeling coming from behind (she got away seventh in the eight horse field),” said Noble. “She really likes to have a trip chasing horses down. I felt real good coming off the bottom turn. I wasn’t real sure if I had it or not, I was just hoping she held in there and she did. I want to follow her around (to drive) wherever she needs to go.”

In the Open Trot Southwind Pepino, co-owned, trained and driven by Hugh “Sandy” Beatty, set a new track record for aged stallions – 1:54. The 5-year-old son of Chocolatier out of the Dream Vacation mare Southwind Pamona did not race at two, but in three racing season so far has earned $173,037 racing mostly in overnight events.

Saturday’s races were part of the nationwide event “Back to the Track”, which is a joint effort between the U.S. Trotting Association and racetracks across the country to promote a great weekend of events surrounding harness racing. Scioto’s evening of participation during the 4th of July weekend started at 5 p.m. with a handicapping seminar put on by Director of Mutuels Steve Carpenito. The first 500 people to buy a program received a trucker style hat and before the races ten drivers came over to sign autographs and to hand out commemorative t-shirts.

Connections of the winning horses on the 15- race card gave winner’s circle interviews as well as throwing out racetrack t-shirts. There was a special flag presentation by Zach Mogan, local trainer Scott Mogan’s son, and racehorse Starry Night Star before the third race. There was also Harness Racing Bingo, a driver dunk tank, balloon twisters and the opportunity to get pictures taken with Scioto Sammy, the on-track mascot. Members of the Standardbred Pleasure Horse Organization of Ohio brought out six retired racehorses trackside so people could pet, take photos with and learn about the careers they have had since the racetrack.

Racing will continue Wednesday (July 10) with a 6:30 p.m. post time. Races will also be held Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the same time with Saturday again being host to Ohio Sire Stakes events, this time for 2-year-old colts.