Scioto horsepeople honor Dan Ater

The Saturday evening (June 19) harness racing card at Eldorado Scioto Downs was full of emotion. After race 4, horsemen honored Dan Ater, who recently passed away, with a memorial race presentation. Guest announcer Roger Huston read the heartfelt eulogy as horsemen were in the winner’s circle.

Later in the card, the anticipated showdown between Charlie May and Heart of Chewbacca did not disappoint in the second $50,000 Ohio Sires Stakes division. Charlie May (Brett Miller) took the early lead before the :27.2 opening quarter. Heart of Chewbacca (Dan Noble) pulled from the three hole and quickly took the lead before the :55.3 half.

After the 1:23.3 third-quarter, the duo started to step away from the field and hit the line just a half length apart in 1:49.3. KB Mac (Hunter Myers) finished third, nine and a half lengths behind the two leaders. Charlie May paced his last quarter in :25.4 for owner/breeder Don Tiger and trainer Steve Carter to take home the lion’s share of the purse. The 3-year-old gelded son of McArdle out of the Western Hanover mare Stipple Hanover paid $5.20 to win.

Rock N Republic took the first division of the OHSS in 1:51.3. Josh Sutton took over driving duties after trainer Robert Taylor drove the 3-year-old gelding by Pet Rock to his first three victories of the year in the non-winners of one series held in May. In just 4 starts, he now has $41,000 in earnings for owner Dossie Minor. Rock N Republic got away 6th from post seven to an opening :27.1 quarter and picked up cover going to the :56.2 half. Just before the 1:23.4 third quarter, Sutton pulled Rock N Republic and they slingshot past their cover to challenge the race leader, even money favorite Four-Star Flash (Ronnie Wrenn, Jr.). Laughagain Hanover (Dan Noble) overcame a break at the start to finish second while I’m Sorry Man (Chris Page) came up the inside to finish third. Rock N Republic paid $17.00 to win.

Another highlight of the night was when Gold Digger King went 4 for 4 in the horse & gelding Open. Leading gate to wire from the eight hole to :26.3, :55.2 and 1:22.3 quarters he held off Catch The Fire (Brett Miller) by a neck to win in 1:49.4. Tyler Smith drove the Pet Rock gelding for trainer Scott Mogan and owner Linda Van Camp. He now has six wins in nine starts with $76,635 in purse earnings this year.

Live racing is held at Eldorado Scioto Downs Tuesdays-Saturdays with the first post of 6:15 p.m. View the entire 2021 racing schedule here.

For full race results, click here.

From Eldorado Scioto Downs