Welcome to the heart of Ohio’s harness racing scene, Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs. For decades, this legendary venue has been more than just a track; it’s a cornerstone of the Columbus community and a premier destination for anyone craving the thunder of hooves and the thrill of the race. Whether you’re a seasoned handicapper or a curious newcomer, Scioto Downs offers a unique blend of high-stakes harness racing, vibrant casino action, and unforgettable entertainment. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about horse racing at Scioto Downs, from its storied past to the excitement of a modern race night.
For over 60 years, the 5/8-mile track at Scioto Downs has been the stage for some of harness racing’s most dramatic moments. Since its inaugural season in 1959, it has carved out a legacy built on speed, strategy, and the deep connection between drivers and their standardbreds. Unlike thoroughbred racing, where jockeys ride on horseback, harness racing features drivers in a two-wheeled cart, or “sulky,” guiding their horses in a specific gait—either a trot or a pace. This discipline requires immense skill and a unique training approach, making it a captivating spectacle of equine athleticism. Scioto Downs has not only preserved this tradition but has helped it thrive, becoming Ohio’s first “racino” in 2012 by integrating a bustling casino floor, which has allowed for larger purses and even more competitive races.
The Scioto Downs Racing Experience
Attending a live race at Scioto Downs is an immersive experience. The energy is palpable from the moment you arrive, with the buzz of the crowd and the sight of the magnificent standardbreds warming up on the track. The live racing season typically runs from early May through mid-September, offering a perfect summer evening pastime for families, friends, and solo racing fans alike.
Understanding the Schedule and Post Times
The racing calendar is packed with action, with live races generally held four nights a week, from Wednesday through Saturday. Post time, the start of the first race, is usually in the early evening, creating a fantastic atmosphere as the sun sets and the track lights take over. This schedule allows fans to enjoy a full day of work before heading to the track for an evening of excitement. It’s always best to check the official Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs website for the most current calendar, as special events and holidays can sometimes alter the schedule. You can often download free live race programs daily, giving you all the information you need on the day’s contenders.
What is Harness Racing?
For those new to the sport, harness racing is a distinct and thrilling form of horse racing. The horses, known as standardbreds, are bred for their temperament and ability to maintain a specific gait. They pull a driver in a sulky and must either trot (a diagonal gait) or pace (a lateral gait). If a horse “breaks” its gait and gallops, it must be pulled back and lose ground until it resumes the correct stride. This adds a layer of strategy and precision that makes every turn of the 5/8-mile track a critical moment.
“Scioto Downs represents the heartland of American harness racing,” explains Dr. Alistair Finch, a noted historian of the sport. “It’s a place where tradition and modernity meet. The 5/8-mile track is known for being incredibly fair, giving both front-runners and closers a chance to win, which makes for consistently unpredictable and exciting races.”
Two harness racing horses and drivers in sulkies competing neck-and-neck as they approach the finish line at Scioto Downs under the bright evening lights.
Major Races and Signature Events
Throughout its season, Scioto Downs hosts a series of high-profile races that attract top-tier talent from across North America. These events, known as “stakes races,” offer significant prize money and prestige, making for some of the most competitive and thrilling nights at the track.
The Ohio Sires Stakes
Arguably the pinnacle of the racing season, the Ohio Sires Stakes (OHSS) showcases the best Ohio-bred standardbreds. This series of races culminates in a championship night where horses in various age and gait divisions compete for massive purses and the title of state champion. It’s a celebration of Ohio’s robust breeding program and a must-see event for any racing enthusiast. The atmosphere during the OHSS finals is electric, representing the culmination of a summer of hard-fought competition.
Memorial Trophies and Paces
Beyond the OHSS, Scioto Downs is home to several prestigious invitational races. The Charlie Hill Memorial Trot and the Jim Ewart Memorial Pace are two of the biggest nights of the year, drawing elite older horses to Columbus to compete for purses that can reach $250,000. Other notable races include the Capital City Pace, the Heart of Ohio Trot, and a series of other events named in honor of legends who shaped the history of the track. These races provide a showcase for seasoned champions and offer fans a chance to see some of the fastest standardbreds in the country.
More Than Just a Racetrack: The Racino
In 2012, Scioto Downs transformed the Ohio entertainment landscape by becoming the state’s first “racino.” This integration of a full-service casino with the historic racetrack created a 24/7 entertainment destination.
Gaming and Entertainment
The casino floor is a vibrant space, featuring over 2,100 of the latest Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs), which function like slot machines. From penny games to high-limit action, there’s something for every level of player. The facility is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, meaning the fun doesn’t stop when the races conclude. Beyond the VLTs, Scioto Downs offers year-round simulcasting, allowing you to watch and wager on races from premier tracks across the globe. The complex also includes multiple dining options, from casual trackside fare to more upscale restaurant experiences, as well as an outdoor amphitheater that hosts live music and concerts from national acts.
How to Bet on the Races
Wagering is a central part of the horse racing experience, and Scioto Downs makes it easy for everyone to get in on the action. You can place your bets with a live teller or at user-friendly self-service terminals located throughout the facility. For beginners, the most common bets are:
- Win: Your horse must finish first.
- Place: Your horse must finish first or second.
- Show: Your horse must finish first, second, or third.
For those seeking a bigger payout, there are “exotic” wagers, which involve picking multiple horses in a single bet:
- Exacta: Pick the first two horses in the correct order.
- Trifecta: Pick the first three horses in the correct order.
- Superfecta: Pick the first four horses in the correct order.
- Daily Double / Pick 3 / Pick 4: Pick the winners of consecutive races.
Don’t be afraid to start small! A $2 bet can make any race incredibly exciting. The free race program is your best friend, offering stats, driver information, and expert picks to help you make informed decisions.
Planning Your Visit to Scioto Downs
Located just south of downtown Columbus, Ohio, Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs is easily accessible. There is ample free parking available for guests. Since the live racing is held in the evenings during the summer, it’s wise to prepare for warm weather but also to bring a light jacket, as temperatures can drop after sunset.
Before you go, take a few minutes to visit the official website. You can confirm post times, see what promotions are running, and download the daily race program. Whether you’re coming for the thrill of horse racing, the chance to hit a jackpot in the casino, or to enjoy a fantastic meal and live entertainment, Scioto Downs offers a complete and unforgettable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best time to visit for horse racing at Scioto Downs?
The live racing season runs from May through September. The most exciting times to visit are during major stakes races like the Ohio Sires Stakes finals or the Jim Ewart Memorial Pace, which typically occur in late summer and early fall.
Is Scioto Downs family-friendly?
Yes, the racetrack area is open to all ages, and live horse racing can be a fantastic outing for the whole family. However, you must be 21 or older to enter the casino gaming floor.
What kind of horse racing does Scioto Downs have?
Scioto Downs exclusively features harness racing, where standardbred horses pull a driver in a two-wheeled cart called a sulky. This is different from the thoroughbred racing seen at tracks like Churchill Downs.
Do I have to pay for admission or parking?
General admission and parking at Scioto Downs are typically free, making it a very accessible entertainment option. There may be a charge for special event days or premium seating areas.
Can I bet on races if I’m a beginner?
Absolutely. Scioto Downs is very welcoming to newcomers. You can start with simple Win, Place, or Show bets for as little as $2. Race programs and on-site staff can help you understand how to place your wagers.
Are there other things to do besides watch horse racing?
Yes, Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs is a full entertainment complex. It features a 24/7 casino with over 2,100 VLTs, a year-round simulcast center for betting on other tracks, multiple bars and restaurants, and live music events.
How can I find out who is racing?
You can download a free daily race program from the Scioto Downs website on race days. This program provides detailed information on all the horses, drivers, trainers, and their past performances to help you handicap the races.
A Legacy of Speed and Entertainment
For anyone with a passion for equine sport or simply looking for a thrilling night out, horse racing at Scioto Downs delivers on every level. It’s a place where history is made with every stride, where the unique discipline of harness racing is celebrated, and where the excitement extends far beyond the finish line. From the intense competition of the Ohio Sires Stakes to the casual fun of a weekday race, Scioto Downs provides a rich, engaging experience. So, come feel the ground shake and cheer on your favorite as they make the final turn—it’s a tradition of speed and excitement that continues to thrive in the heart of Ohio.
