Sibcy Cline

It was a roller coaster live racing season at River Downs greeted by two floods, the cancellation of live racing on Kentucky Derby Day and Mothers Day, having a mid-season wash out and then experiencing a record tying heat wave in the Cincinnati area.  Despite these hurdles, the track that was purchased by Pinnacle Entertainment LLC in January, posted gains in live handle, attendance and purses.

After 82 days of live racing with a Wednesday through Sunday schedule,  River Downs was up in total live handle by 3.55%  or 19% per day  An impressive figure considering the track raced 14 less days than in 2010 and did not have live racing on two of their traditionally highest days.  Average purses showed a 12.5% increase.  Management incented fuller field size by offering an increase in purses for races with seven or more starters.

Vice-President and General Manager Kevin Kaufman stated on a well attended closing Labor Day.  “As I look back on what was ultimately a very successful season of live racing, I would like to thank all of our team members for making River Downs a very special place!  We did our best to insure that our fans had a good experience and as our guests we kept our eyes and ears open to their input.  Many requested reduced wagering prices on Trifectas and Pick-3's and we switched to a .50 cent minimum. For our clubhouse regulars we waived any parking fee and installed over fifty new flat screen televisions and a new race review kiosk.  We pushed back Friday post time to 3:00 p.m. and offered $1.00 beer and hot dogs and we carded more turf racing than any time in recent memory.”

Kaufman, who has an attentive eye for detail and a teamwork philosophy, came to River Downs from Pinnacle’s Belterra Casino and Resort in Indiana.  “The guest’s kind comments on the cleanliness of the facility and friendliness of the staff are greatly appreciated, they are two areas we have concentrated on and take pride in.  Despite some of the challenges Mother Nature unexpectedly threw at us, the horsemen kept the game going and I've come to appreciate all of the hard work and attention to detail it takes to get a horse to the races.  From the pony people to the starting gate crew and all in between, it takes a lot of professionals to make this sport a safe and thrilling one.  I applaud all of their efforts.”

With an increased advertising, marketing and social media plan in place, River Downs played host to many fan friendly events such as Family Fun Day, BBQ and Blues, Race to the Alter and the very popular Wiener Dog Summer Nationals that were all a pleasant addition to the live racing.  River Downs was also proud to facilitate efforts on behalf of charities such as the Permanently Disabled Jockey Fund, Susan G. Komen for the Cure and a Labor Day benefit for the Old Friends Retirement Facility that is dedicated to providing a dignified and safe haven for pensioned Thoroughbred racehorses.

On the race track this season, 57-year-old jockey Perry Ouzts was the star of the show.  The ageless wonder was competing at River Downs for his 39th season and captured his 25th riding title.  He passed several major thresholds this season by riding his 5,700 winner and passing a career total of 43,000 starts.  He currently ranks 18th nationally on the all-time winning rider mark.  Over the summer he went to post 459 times and compiled a record of 124-86-53 for earnings of $562,773.  He won the title by an amazing 62 wins.

Trainer Joe Woodard, who almost exclusively employs the services of Ouzts, easily won the trainers title with 64 wins from 174 starts for earnings of $246,698 to capture his fifth consecutive title.  Billy, Donna and Justin Hays employ Woodard to run their stable and they too enjoyed their fifth straight title as leading owners with 59 winners that brought home $227,330.

With live racing concluded, River Downs will offer simulcast wagering six days a week with free admission and parking.  Doors open at 11:30 a.m., Tuesday will be the “dark” day.  Racing dates for 2012 have not yet been set by the Ohio Racing Commission.