Scioto: Jessica Otten joins staff; Live racing resumes May 7

As opening night approaches, Jessica Otten is joining the Eldorado Scioto Downs team for the 2026 racing season.

Otten has been working on updating the tv graphics for the track and will be seen on-air conducting paddock interviews, providing race analysis and creating additional content for social media and the simulcast show. She has also been busy setting up on-track promotions to make the guest experience better at the track.

“I’m very excited to join the team at Scioto Downs,” said Otten. “I’ve watched my sister (Jenna) be part of a group that values collaboration, positivity and shares a passion for racing. I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute and grow within such a strong environment.”

“It is great having Jessica join the team,” said Scioto’s Director of Racing Jason Roth. “Her experience in the industry both on and off air will help us immensely. She has worked big events in the past and will be a huge part of making us successful with the 2026 Breeders Crown.”

The 2026 Eldorado Scioto Downs racing season kicks off on Thursday, May 7. Post time will be 5:15 each race day, with a Tuesday-Saturday schedule. Special race days will be held on Memorial Day and Labor Day, with that Monday card taking place of the normal Tuesday.

Starting the week of August 2, the track will move to a four-days-per-week schedule, racing Tuesdays and Thursdays-Saturdays. On closing week there will be racing on Wednesday as Scioto has worked with the Ohio Harness Horse Breeders to not host racing on Friday (September 18) to accommodate horsemen attending the Ohio Selected Yearling Sale.

Scioto will then open for two action-packed weekends as the Breeders Crown comes to the south Columbus oval. Elimination races will be held on Friday and Saturday, October 16-17, with finals hosted October 23-24. Tickets are now on sale via Open Table; more details about the Breeders Crown at Scioto can be found on this page of the Scioto Downs website.

Other big races on tap for the 2026 season at Scioto include:
July 4 – The $150,000 Next Generation events for 2-year-old Ohio-sired horses
July 18 – the Moni Maker & Nadia Lobell for 3-year-old fillies; the Cleopatra & #SendItIn Invitationals for older pacers
July 30-August 1 – State Fair races for 2 & 3-year-old Ohio-sired horses
September 12 – Ohio Super Night (Sires Stakes Championships); Jim Ewart & Charlie Hill Memorials for aged horses

A complete race schedule, horsemen information and more can be found on the Eldorado Scioto Downs website.

-edited release (Scioto Downs)