by Dean Hoffman

Columbus, OH — The action on the track at Scioto Downs was hot Friday night, but not nearly as hot as the action in the adjacent racino as the Columbus track ushered in a new era in Ohio racing.

Thousands poured through the doors of the opulent new gaming facility and liked what they saw. They marveled at the décor and the array of video lottery terminals, then set about enjoying the action at the only racino in the Buckeye State.

This was clearly the most historic night at Scioto Downs since the track opened in 1959, and everyone in Ohio harness racing has been waiting for this day. In the coming months, the racino will generate substantial sums for the state of Ohio and also begin to produce funds for horse owners, breeders, trainers and drivers.

On the track, the featured Fillies & Mares Open Pace when to the pretty grey mare Ocean Pearl, reined by trainer-driver Chip Noble. He sent her directly to the front post five and she set all the fractions to win by 2-1/4 lengths in 1:55.3.

Sent off as the favorite as odds of almost 3-1, Ocean Pearl paid $7.40 to win.
The 4-year-old mare is owned by Sandra Burnett of Ohio.

The 7-2 choice C R Hope tried in vain to catch the leader for driver Kyle Ater, but wound up second best. Keen Supreme finished third.

In the Open II trotting feature, B V’s Sister led all the way for driver Chris Page to win easily in 1:57.3 over Not To Be Denied and Lord Andover. The even-money favorite is owned by Kenneth Sommer of Ohio.