Scioto: Live racing expected to return Friday

After being forced to cancel live racing from Tuesday (8/17) to Thursday (8/19) due to a city of Columbus grandstand occupancy denial, all signs are now pointing towards racing resuming on Friday (8/20) according to a release by the Ohio Harness Horsemen's Associations.

Modifications are underway for Friday's live racing to go forward. Eldorado management is optimistic that the modifications will be completed in time for Friday's races. Any difficulties in completing the modifications by post-time may result in the cancellation of Friday's card. If cancelled, the Ohio Sires Stakes races scheduled for Friday will be contested at 4:15 p.m. as non-betting races prior to the Saturday live racing card.

OHHA Executive Director Renee Mancino said that she is optimistic that racing "will continue to the end of the regularly scheduled live meet without any more disruption," but added that things in Ohio can change in a hurry.

According to sources, plans are in place to build a new grandstand that could be ready as early as 2022.

Scioto Downs is scheduled to race weekly from Tuesday to Saturday through September 4 and then drop Tuesdays until closing night on September 18. Post time each night is 6:15 P.M. EDT.