The Nadia Lobell and Moni Maker Stakes Relocate to Scioto

Eldorado Scioto Downs is all set to host two new events during the 2024 harness racing season, each offering a generous prize fund of $120,000. These exciting races, namely the Nadia Lobell for three-year-old pacing fillies and the Moni Maker for three-year-old trotting fillies, are scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 6, at the renowned Scioto racecourse. Expressing his enthusiasm, Jason Roth, Scioto's Director of Racing, highlighted the meticulous selection process behind these races, which were chosen to be a part of the much-anticipated Next Generation night. Roth mentioned how discussions with Connie Hochstetler from The Red Mile, held during the race secretary's meeting, solidified their decision to host these prestigious Grand Circuit races at Scioto. 

To participate in these events, interested individuals must submit a nomination fee of $750 to The Red Mile by March 15. Additionally, a sustaining payment of $1,000 will be due on April 15, with a declaration fee of $2,000. The races will accommodate ten horses each, with eligibility determined by the top ten highest lifetime money earners who enter and qualify to start. Complete information regarding the race conditions can be found on the U.S. Trotting Association website. 

The Nadia Lobell, which debuted in 1990, pays homage to the incredible world champion pacing filly, Nadia Lobell. Sired by No Nukes and out of the Albatross mare Norah Bell, Nadia Lobell achieved remarkable success on the track, earning just over $1 million and setting a lifetime mark of 1:53.4 at Pompano Park at the age of three. Since its inception, the race has been won by notable horses such as Crafty Caper, Shes A Great Lady, Ohyouprettything, Cathedra Dot Com, Rainbow Blue, Cabrini Hanover, Western Gallie, Little Miss Dragon, Tug River Princess, Put On A Show, and Shebestingin, among others. 

Initially held at various venues, including Garden State Park, The Meadowlands, The Red Mile, The Meadows, and Harrah's Hoosier Park, the Nadia Lobell will now find its new home at Scioto. 

The Moni Maker, another thrilling race, made its debut in 2005 at The Red Mile. This race, dedicated to the exceptional mare Moni Maker, has seen winners such as Coulantine, Passionate Glide, Maven, Bee A Magician, Shake It Cerry, Mission Brief, and Manchego. Moni Maker, a daughter of Speedy Crown and the Bonefish mare Nans Catch, amassed an incredible $5.5 million in earnings, with nearly half of that earned overseas. The mare achieved numerous accolades, including setting the world record for Racing Under Saddle at the age of seven in 2000, ridden by Julie Krone. She was recognized as the Dan Patch Older Trotting Mare of the Year four times (1997-2000), the Dan Patch Trotter of the Year three times (1998-2000), Dan Patch Horse of the Year twice (1998-1999), the Nova Older Trotter of the Year three times (1998-2000), and the O'Brien Older Trotting Mare of the Year twice (1999-2000). 

In 2006, Moni Maker was inducted into the U.S. Harness Racing Hall of Fame. Sadly, she passed away ten years ago in 2014 at the age of 21. Roth further expressed his excitement about bringing these prestigious races to Ohio and adding to the rich history associated with these remarkable mares and events. He emphasized that it would be a thrilling weekend of racing in Columbus and hinted at special promotions that are being planned to entice spectators. The 2024 Eldorado Scioto Downs race meet, spanning 90 days, is scheduled to commence on Thursday, May 9, and conclude on Saturday, September 14. Races will be held from Tuesday to Saturday, with special holiday cards on Memorial Day and Labor Day replacing the Tuesday card for those weeks. The first post time will be at 5:45 p.m. each day, except for Friday, September 13, when it will be adjusted to 6:45 p.m. to accommodate horsepeople attending the Ohio Selected Yearling Sale.