Scioto: Handle eclipses $1 million with the return of Harness Racing

After 52 days on the sidelines due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Harness Racing returned to the United States on Friday (May 22) and the results did not disappoint. With 12 live races on the card, fans of the sport pushed $1,054,270 into the pools at Scioto Downs, the first time in decades the Ohio track has reached the $1 million plateau.

"It was our highest handle in over 20 years!" said Joe Morris, Senior Vice President of Racing for Eldorado Resorts. "It was a great team effort between our staff and horsemen. We got off to an amazing start, with qualifiers last Saturday (May 16) and having 12 races just six days later that produced a million-plus in handle."

Historians would have to reach back to September 7, 1996 to find the Scioto record for handle ($1,231,444). That total was likely boosted by a large on-track crowd. This Friday, every dime sent through the windows was done remotely via advance deposit wagering, since fans were prohibited from the grounds due to social distancing restrictions.

The on-track action was thrilling, with the co-featured Opens decided by a total distance of a nose. Rosemary Rose rallied from off the pace and withstood a late charge from Sally Fletcher A to win the $18,000 Fillies and Mares Pace by a nose in 1:51 2/5, while Peggy Sue and Eye Ofa Tiger As couldn't be separated at the wire to finish in a dead-heat in the $18,000 Open Trot. The final time was 1:55 1/5 for the pair.

The driving star on the card was Chris Page, who recorded a six-bagger. Ron Burke led all trainers with four wins. JD Perrin gets honorable mention for two wins and three seconds.

Racing continues on Saturday night at 6:30 PM. Full-card analysis and FREE Pick 5 past performances can be found here.