from Scioto Downs

Columbus, OH — Scioto Downs kicks off the 56th year of harness racing on Tuesday (May 5) at 2 p.m. Live racing will continue Wednesday through Saturday with a 6:30 p.m. post time. The 2 p.m. Tuesday post time is not the only thing new for the 2015 racing season.

New on the wagering front for the 2015 live racing season, Scioto Downs is adding a Pick-5 wager. The wager, which carries a 50 cent minimum, will be held on the final five races of each race card. If no one successfully selects the winners of the last five races on the card, than 75 percent of the net pool will carry over to the next racing program.

“Given the large and competitive fields our race office puts together on a nightly basis, I believe this wager should carry over quite often. That should create added value for our loyal players,” noted Mutuel Director Steve Carpenito.

The only other change to the wagering format involves moving the highly popular 10 cent Super High Five wager to the tenth race of each program. Last season, the first for the wager, it was offered on the ninth race.

Stakes action is back this summer in full force starting on Saturday (June 6-Belmont Day), when the live racing card will feature the best older trotters in the Charlie Hill Memorial for a purse of $200,000.

Another day not to miss is Saturday (July 18) when we go “Back to the Track.” This promotion is a great time to introduce new fans to the wonderful world of harness racing and take advantage of some great giveaways and special offers. Be sure to check out our website and Facebook page for great offers and complete details.

In August, the excitement continues with the Ohio State Fair and Ohio Breeders Stakes for 2- and 3-year-old Ohio breds.

To cap off our electrifying season on Sept. 12, Scioto Downs will host Ohio Super Night. The best 2- and 3-year-olds in their respective gaits will battle it out for a share of $225,000 in each of eight Ohio Sire Stakes finals. Super Night will also feature the Jim Ewart Memorial Invitational Pace for a bounty of $200,000 (est.). While the purses on this night are totaling a minimum $2.1 million, it’s guaranteed to be a thrilling, edge of the seat evening and a night you will not want to miss.