For the second consecutive year, Chase H Hanover dominated the closing night Open Pace at Eldorado Scioto Downs, clocking in at 1:48.2.
In the $33,784 Open on Saturday, Sept. 14, Artatac A (driven by Dan Noble) grabbed the early lead with a :26 opening quarter, while Donttouchmytruck (Chris Presley) settled into the pocket. Tyler Smith, steering Chase H Hanover from post six, held back and positioned the horse at the rear through a :54.1 half-mile, as Save America (Brett Miller) launched a first-up challenge. By the 1:21 mark at three-quarters, Save America had drawn even with Artatac A, while Chase H Hanover positioned third-over. As the horses entered the final turn, Save America pulled ahead, but Chase H Hanover surged forward, posting a blistering :26.4 last quarter to claim victory by half a length. Art Scaping (Sam Widger) finished third, more than seven lengths behind.
Chase H Hanover, a six-year-old gelding by Captaintreacherous, is co-owned by Odds On Racing and Carl Howard. The millionaire pacer, now boasting seven wins from 18 starts this season, has tallied 29 career victories. He is trained by Virgil Morgan Jr., Scioto’s leading trainer for 2024, who secured his 30th consecutive training title with 108 wins from 419 starts and earnings surpassing $2.2 million.
Dan Noble was the leading driver of the meet, racking up 235 wins from 1,152 starts. Both Noble and Morgan were celebrated in the winner’s circle after the eighth race, joined by family and friends in recognition of their stellar achievements.
The final race of the 2024 season was won by Sam Widger aboard Make Me An Offer. Widger, who had been sidelined due to a wrist injury in June, returned to action earlier this week. He found the winner’s circle twice on closing night, first with General Dolan in race four and again in the 16th and final race.
Though the racing season has concluded, Eldorado Scioto Downs remains open year-round for simulcasting, gaming, and dining. On Saturday, Sept. 21, Scioto will host a qualifying event for the National Handicapping Contest in Las Vegas (March 2025), with the top three finishers earning entry, along with travel stipends and wagering vouchers to use at Scioto in 2024.