by Dean A. Hoffman, for Scioto Downs

Columbus, OH — Scioto Downs hosts 14 early qualifiers on Saturday morning (April 19) as Ohio horsemen gear up their stock for the summer racing season.

Eight pacing events and six trotting races are slated to begin in late morning at the central Ohio five-eighths-mile oval.

Scioto Downs opens its 50th anniversary season on May 9 and continues racing through September 9. Post time is 6:30 p.m. for racing Wednesday through Saturday. Simulcasting opens on May 4.

The theme for the 2008 season is “50 Years of Fun” and the meet will be marked by 50 nights of giveaway items to racing fans.

Horsemen requested the early qualifiers and pay the cost of conducting the races.