Scioto: Live racing season wraps up

The 2025 Eldorado Scioto Downs meet concluded Saturday (September 13) and the card did not disappoint with fast miles and a leading driver and trainer race that came down to the final hours.

The last $25,000 Open Pace of the meet was won by Helium N in a track record 1:46 4/5. With Dan Noble at the lines, the Christi Noble trainee won by 3 1/2 lengths after posting fractions of 25 3/5, 53 and 1:19 2/5. Women Layer (Sam Widger) posted a 26 2/5 last quarter to recover from a break at the start to finish second, with Martins Millions (Brett Miller) finishing third.

Trainer Virgil Morgan, Jr. clinched his 31st consecutive title, albeit this year it was a co-trainer of the meet title. Getting a single victory on the Saturday card, Morgan came back from being one victory down to tie with Ron Burke. Both trainers ended the meet with 107 victories.

Chris Page took the leading driver title with 241 victories.

"I'm not one for individual accolades," said Page. "It took a small village to get here. I'd like to thank everyone who has supported me throughout the year, including Team Burke, Virgil, I obviously can't name everyone.

"When people ask me why I do what I do, it's for these kids (his son Carter and daughter Avery), my wife, Bri. I love what I do, it's just a labor of love."

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The 41-year-old Page first drove in 2000 but his driving career started taking off in 2006 when he had 750 starts. He was last the Scioto driver of the meet in 2021.

"Ohio's back, it's been back," Page continued. "We're getting the best stallions and horses are reaching outside of the state and winning big races."

The 2026 Eldorado Scioto Downs race meet will start in May and end after 91 race days in September. The south Columbus oval will then host the Breeders Crown in October.

"We are excited for next year's season," said Jason Roth, Scioto's Director of Racing. "We're working closely with the Hambletonian Society for the Breeders Crown but also have big plans for the regular meet, including hosting the Ohio Sires Stakes Championships.

"Improvements to the backside, including a viewing stand near the paddock and a new horsemen's entrance off Parsons Avenue will begin shortly after closing night."

--press release (Scioto)--