by Jason Roth, for Scioto Downs

Columbus, OH — Ohio sired 3- and 4-year-olds will get a chance to kick off the 2016 Scioto Downs meet with a series of late closers for each gait and sex.

Scioto Downs will host a $10,000 leg, $20,000 estimated final, and a $12,000 estimated consolation race for any Ohio sired horse that is eligible to non-winners of two pari-mutuel races lifetime or $15,000 lifetime through April 1, 2016.

The $300 nomination fee for the non-winners of two pari-mutuel races lifetime event must be postmarked by April 15. The series will kick off on May 12.

The second round of late closers will begin June 9. The series will follow suit of the races in May but will be for Ohio sired horses that are non-winners of four pari-mutuel races lifetime or $30,000 lifetime through April 15, 2016. The first leg purse will be $13,000 with a $25,000 estimated final and a $15,000 estimated consolation.

The $380 nomination fee for the non-winners of four pari-mutuel races lifetime event must be postmarked by May 2.

Information regarding the late closers, including the nomination form, can be found on the Scioto Downs website.

Scioto Downs will kick off the 90 day, 2016 season on Tuesday (May 10) with a 2 p.m. post time. Live racing will be held every Tuesday through Saturday until Sept. 10. Post time will still be the traditional 6:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday while Tuesday’s post time and all holiday cards will be 2 p.m.