Scioto: Widger reaches 8,000 career wins

Driver Sam Widger notched win number 8,000 on Tuesday (May 12) at Eldorado Scioto Downs with Saying Grace N in 1:53 3/5.

Heading into Tuesday’s card, Widger was only two wins away from hitting the milestone. He captured the first race with Born To Run AS in 1:54 for owner/trainer Mark Headworth. Five races later, it was the Adam Short owned/trained Saying Grace N that put him at the milestone.

“It’s huge, I guess I look at that, and I think that there’s someone like me who didn’t know the first thing about a horse when he graduated high school, it’s a pretty big accomplishment,” said Widger. “I have to thank all the owners and trainers for putting up with me over the years. And the good Lord for keeping me safe.”

Originally from Illinois, Widger first got his license in the fall of 1985 and his first win the following year. He made the switch to race more in Indiana in 2009, followed by a move to the Ohio circuit in 2023.

With 60,268 lifetime starts behind the starting gate, Widger has finished in the top three 23,389 times, or 38.8% of the time. Horses he has driven have earned over $77.2 million.

By the end of Scioto’s Tuesday card, Widger won three races and finished second or third in two others.

Racing at Scioto Downs continues Wednesday (May 13) and there are three carryovers – two with guaranteed pools – for the 16-race card. The .50 early Pick-5 will, for the second day in a row, have a $20,000 guarantee. The takeout on new money is 14% and the pool will be started with a $5,054 carryover from Tuesday’s card.

There is also a $3,684 carryover for the first race .20 Superfecta. Another wager, this time the early Pick-4 starting in race 3, will be guaranteed at $10,000. The $1 Pick-4 also has a 14% takeout on new money and has $3,857 in carryover money from Tuesday’s card.

The 91-day regular season 2026 Eldorado Scioto Downs race meet runs until Saturday, September 19. Races are held Tuesday-Saturday, with special holiday cards on Memorial Day and Labor Day instead of the Tuesday card that week. The track will then re-open for the Breeders Crown, with eliminations held October 16-17 and the finals October 23-24. More information about all the racing action at Scioto can be found on the Eldorado Scioto Downs website.

-edited release (Scioto Downs)