Scioto: 2026 live racing season starts Thursday

The draws are complete for Eldorado Scioto Downs’ opening weekend, with 46 races spanning the three days. First post is 5:15 p.m. on Thursday (May 7), Friday (May 8) and Saturday (May 9).

“We had 531 horses drop in the box for opening weekend,” said Scioto’s Director of Racing Jason Roth. “With so many Buckeye Stallion Series races on Saturday, we had to move some typical Saturday races to Friday, but anticipate being back on our normal schedule next week.”

Free program pages will be available on the Scioto Downs website approximately 24 hours prior to post time. New for the 2026 season, both the $1 Pick 4 and the .50 Pick 5 will have a low 14% takeout. On Thursday’s 14-race card, the Pick-5s will cover races 1-5 and 10-14, while the Pick-4s will be for races 3-6, 7-10 and 11-14.

Friday and Saturday’s race cards will have 16 races each night. Saturday night will be Buckeye night – with all races either a Buckeye Stallion Series or Buckeye Claiming Series event. It also will be a ‘welcome home’ event for David Miller, the Buckeye. Miller will be available starting at 4:30 p.m. for autographs and there will be give-a-ways throughout the evening.

The pre-game show will start at 5:00 p.m. each race night with on-air host Jenna Otten and track announcer Barry Vicroy. Jessica Otten will join the team for each live race day opening week and bring insights from the backside; all three will provide handicapping tips throughout the card.

The 91-day regular season 2026 Eldorado Scioto Downs race meet runs until Saturday, September 19. Races will be held Tuesday-Saturday, with special holiday cards on Memorial Day and Labor Day instead of the Tuesday card that week. More information about racing at Scioto can be found on the Eldorado Scioto Downs website

-edited release (Scioto Downs)